Lee Sandeman, aged 39, of Ebbw Vale, has been sentenced to 32 months in prison for grooming and abusing a 15-year-old girl in Canada through online communication. Sandeman, who used the name “Raven Knight” on the Discord messaging platform, coerced the victim into engaging in sexual acts on camera. The victim contacted Canadian police in 2021, leading to a search of Sandeman’s home, where police found hundreds of indecent images of children.
During a sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court, it was revealed that Sandeman had taken explicit images of the victim and possessed a significant number of indecent images, including videos depicting children as young as nine being raped. Sandeman pleaded guilty to causing/inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, engaging in sexual communication with a child, making indecent images, and possession of extreme images. Despite having a previous good character, he was described as living in squalor.
Sandeman’s living conditions were described as appalling, with his room being knee-deep in rubbish, empty alcohol bottles, and a dirty sofa. The court heard that he led a virtual life, spending his days drinking, smoking cannabis, playing online games, and watching pornography. Sandeman was sentenced to half of his 32-month prison term in custody and will serve the remainder on licence. He is also required to register as a sex offender indefinitely and will face a restraining order. This case highlights the dangers of online grooming and the importance of safeguarding children in the digital age.