**Sex Offender Sends Explicit Messages to Young Girls via WhatsApp After Meeting on Fortnite**
Ethan Owen, a 30-year-old man with a history of sexual offences dating back to when he was just 15, has been found guilty of sending sexual content to young girls via WhatsApp. Owen, a registered sex offender for life and under a sexual harm prevention order, was playing Fortnite with two primary school-aged girls when he added them to a WhatsApp group named “bad.” Once in the group, Owen sent explicit messages and images, including naked individuals engaging in sexual acts.
The Cardiff Crown Court heard that Owen coerced one of the girls to send him intimate photos and made disturbing threats, such as coming to her house to harm her, after being blocked. Prosecutor Martha Smith-Higgins emphasized Owen’s extensive criminal record, with seven convictions for 31 offences. His pattern of offending began in 2009 and continued, leading to a 50-month recalled prison sentence. Despite receiving psychological intervention, Owen’s behaviour remained predatory and dangerous.
During the sentencing, Judge Francis highlighted the persistent nature of Owen’s sexual misconduct, stating that his actions did not occur in isolation. She noted his previous convictions and labeled him a dangerous offender, a classification dating back to 2013 when he was given an extended sentence. Owen admitted guilt to all six charges, including inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and breaching a sexual harm prevention order.
The court sentenced Owen to an extended five-year term, with 40 months in custody and five years on licence, primarily for the offence of inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity. Owen will remain on the sex offenders’ register for life and be subject to a sexual harm prevention order. This case underscores the importance of monitoring and addressing sexual offenders’ behaviour to protect vulnerable individuals from harm.
The disturbing nature of Owen’s actions serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by online predators. Platforms like Fortnite and WhatsApp must implement stringent safeguards to prevent such incidents and protect young users from exploitation. Parents and guardians should remain vigilant and educate children about online safety to prevent them from falling victim to similar predators.
In response to the sentencing, a community representative expressed relief that Owen was being held accountable for his reprehensible actions. The case serves as a cautionary tale about the need for continued vigilance and strict measures to combat online sexual exploitation. As technology evolves, it is crucial to adapt safeguards to ensure the safety and well-being of all users, particularly vulnerable individuals like children and adolescents.
This case highlights the complex challenges posed by online interactions and the imperative for legal and societal responses to address such predatory behaviour effectively. The justice system’s firm stance on offenders like Owen sends a clear message that such actions will not go unpunished. By raising awareness and enforcing stringent regulations, communities can work towards a safer online environment for all individuals, especially the most vulnerable among us.