Man jailed for grooming and abusing multiple girls online
29-year-old sentenced for exploiting teenagers through social media
Last updated 13th Jul 2026
A man from Coalville has been sentenced to nine years in prison for grooming and abusing teenage girls online.
Kieran Ridgway, 29, was convicted on multiple charges, including penetrative sexual activity with a child and sexual communication with a child.
The case unfolded following a 2021 report from concerned parents about suspicious interactions on Snapchat.
Ridgway used an alias to contact the girls, offering them alcohol in exchange for sexual acts.
Detective Constable Stacey Swan of the Child Sexual Exploitation team led the investigation after the initial report in July 2021.
Her persistence in the case uncovered further victims who had been targeted by Ridgway on social media.
Through thorough investigations, Ridgway was identified and arrested in October 2021.
The offences, occurring between June 2017 and February 2020, involved Ridgway lying about his age and exploiting the vulnerabilities of the underage girls.
After a trial in May, Ridgway was found guilty on multiple charges.
On 10th July, he was sentenced to nine years in prison and placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
He will also be under a three-year extended licence period following his release.
Additionally, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order was imposed.
DC Swan stated there may be other victims who have not come forward and urged them to contact the authorities.
She highlighted the support available for victims who wish to report such crimes.
Ridgway's case serves as a reminder of the importance of monitoring children's use of social media and ensuring they engage with appropriate individuals.