Sheffield teenager jailed after encouraging self harm online
It's one of the first cases to be brought under the new Online Safety Act
Last updated 18th Jun 2026
A Sheffield teenager has been jailed for almost five years after encouraging another young person to self harm and send indecent images of herself over the internet.
Elijah Palmer, who was 17 at the time of his offences, used the username 'slitted' to exert control over the young girl, over the online platform Discord.
He demanded intimate images and blackmailed her to harm herself, record it, and send it to him.
The victim eventually came forward to police, who tracked down and arrested Palmer.
Detective Chief Inspector Scott Harrison, of South Yorkshire Police, said: "This is a deeply disturbing incident, which has placed a vulnerable girl in serious harm, all because Palmer was seeking a form of gratification following his control."
"This sentence will not undo the lasting and detrimental harm that Palmer has caused, harm like this can have a lifelong impact on victims.
"She has shown commendable bravery throughout this investigation, as it would have been extremely difficult for her to relay the detail.
"Palmer has not only impacted negatively on the girl’s life, but also his own. The Sexual Harm Prevention Order will affect the rest of his life."
Palmer used various online platforms to manipulate the victim, including instructing her to spray paint phrases on her bedroom wall as ways to exert power.
DCI Harrison added: "Technology is something that we use daily, it is used in school, work and our personal lives to connect with family and friends."
"It can be an extremely useful tool, but unfortunately we know that a small number of people look to abuse online platforms.
"The Introduction of the Online Safety Act in 2023 allows us to investigate and prosecute those who choose to cause harm using these online platforms.
"Offenders may think they can hide behind usernames on these online platforms, but this is far from the truth, we will find them.
"Victims of these crimes are never to blame, and I want to reassure anyone who may think they have been a victim that you will be listened to and supported."
Palmer, now 18 and of Badger Close, admitted to guilty to offences including encouraging self-harm and possession of indecent photographs of a child.
He was sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court to four years and nine months in prison, along with a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and an indefinite Restraining Order.