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Father Jailed for 20 Years Under Online Safety Act

10/20/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Karl Davies, a 43-year-old father from the Wirral, became the first UK person jailed under the Online Safety Act for encouraging a child to self-harm.
He received a 20-year sentence after conviction on 17 offences involving a schoolgirl aged 13 to 14.
Davies groomed the girl through Snapchat, coercing her into sending indecent images and self-harming.
Judge Hilary Manley described the acts as abhorrent and noted the victim's impact.

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Story summary

Karl Davies, a 43-year-old father from the Wirral, became the first UK person jailed under the Online Safety Act for encouraging a child to self-harm.
He received a 20-year sentence after conviction on 17 offences involving a schoolgirl aged 13 to 14.
Davies groomed the girl through Snapchat, coercing her into sending indecent images and self-harming.
Judge Hilary Manley described the acts as abhorrent and noted the victim's impact.