17 year old Sheffield boy admits encouraging girl to harm herself online in 'first of its kind' case
The teenager admitted to an offence under the 2023 Online Safety Act
A 17 year old from Sheffield has admitted to encouraging another young person to harm themselves online, in the first case of its kind under a new law.
South Yorkshire Police charged the teenager under the Online Safety Act, the first time they've used the new legislation in this way.
The teenager appeared before Sheffield Crown Court yesterday where he admitted to encouraging serious self-harm in relation to a vulnerable girl.
He is alleged to have sent her 'threatening and sinister', leaving her feeling compelled to self harm,
She is now being safeguarded by the proper authorities.
The boy also admitted to a charge of causing a child over 13 to engage in sexual activity without consent.
At an earlier hearing he also admitted to perverting the course of justice, making indecent images and possession of extreme pornography.
The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, will be sentenced before Sheffield Crown Court on May 22. He has been remanded into custody.
Detective Chief Inspector Scott Harrison, of South Yorkshire Police, said, “Although this is a milestone for our force in terms of protecting a vulnerable victim through the use of this new legislation, the circumstances surrounding the case are extremely distressing and concerning.
“I would personally like to commend the bravery and courage of the victim, who came forward and reported these disgusting acts. This would have been a considerably difficult thing for her to do.
“We live in a digital world where technology has become a key part of all our lives. The introduction of the Online Safety Act has provided us with more opportunities to ensure that those who use digital platforms feel safe when doing so, and those who choose to abuse these platforms are caught and brought before the courts.”