A 19-year-old man has been sentenced to 28 months in prison after preying on a 14-year-old girl he met through the popular online game Roblox. Carlo Tritta, from Eastleigh in Hampshire, initiated what authorities described as 'highly sexualised' conversations with the victim across multiple platforms, including Discord, WhatsApp, and Snapchat, over a period spanning from January to August 2025.
Discovery and Arrest
The victim's mother uncovered the disturbing messages and images, which prompted her to report the incident to the police. This led to Tritta's arrest in August 2025, with Hampshire Police later releasing bodycam footage of the arrest to highlight the seriousness of the case and raise awareness about online grooming risks.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
In court, Tritta pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including making indecent images of children, with 25 of these images classified in the most severe Category A. He also admitted to sexual communication with a child and causing a child to watch a sexual act, underscoring the predatory nature of his actions.
Broader Implications for Online Safety
This case has sparked renewed concerns about the safety of young users on gaming platforms and social media. Experts are urging parents and guardians to monitor online interactions more closely and educate children about the dangers of sharing personal information with strangers. The sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the legal consequences for those who exploit minors through digital means.
Hampshire Police have emphasised their commitment to tackling such crimes, encouraging the public to report any suspicious online behaviour to help protect vulnerable individuals from similar exploitation.
