Kieran Ridgway, 29, from Coalville, Leicestershire, has been sentenced to nine years in prison after grooming at least five underage girls on Snapchat, luring two children aged 12 and 13 into sexual acts by offering them alcohol. Leicestershire Police believe he may have targeted additional victims.
Grooming and Deception on Snapchat
Ridgway used the fake name “Josh Whitcombe” on Snapchat to contact his victims. He befriended the girls, lied about his age, and manipulated them into performing sex acts in exchange for alcohol. The youngest victims were 12 and 13 at the time of the offences. Their parents alerted police in July 2021, leading to Ridgway’s arrest in October 2021.
During police interviews, Ridgway denied the allegations, claiming someone else had set up a fake Snapchat profile using his details. He also told officers he bought the girls alcohol “out of kindness.” However, evidence revealed he had targeted three additional underage girls between June 2017 and February 2020, making one believe she was in a relationship with him.
Conviction and Sentencing
In May, Ridgway was found guilty of five counts of penetrative sexual activity with a child, non-penetrative sexual activity with a child, sexual communication with a child, meeting a child following grooming, and causing a child to engage in sexual activity. On Friday, July 10, he was sentenced to nine years in prison, followed by a three-year extended licence period. The court also imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and Ridgway will remain on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
Police Praise Victims’ Bravery
Detective Constable Stacey Swan, who led the investigation, said: “The victims in this case have shown immense bravery in coming forward and discussing these awful experiences. I hope that they take some comfort that Kieran Ridgway has now been brought to justice for his crimes.” Detective Chief Inspector Hazel Sandall, the force’s child safeguarding and exploitation lead, added: “It’s down to the victims’ courage and DC Swan’s commitment to see justice served that has led to the successful outcome of this case.”
Appeal for Further Victims
Leicestershire Police believe Ridgway may have targeted other children and are urging anyone affected to contact the force on 101 or via its website. The case highlights the dangers of online grooming and the importance of parental vigilance regarding children’s use of social media platforms like Snapchat.
