Man jailed after using social media to exploit children
Serious offences uncovered through investigation
A man has been sentenced to four years in prison after using social media platforms to exploit children into sending indecent images.
Ethan Mason, originally from Nantwich and now residing in Newcastle-under-Lyme, faced Chester Crown Court on 9th September.
Mason was found guilty of numerous offences, including making and distributing indecent images of children, engaging in sexual communications with minors, and causing children to engage in sexual activity under threat.
The investigation began in February 2023, following a report made by the mother of a 12-year-old girl in Manchester. The girl had engaged with Mason through Snapchat, where Mason, posing as 'CHESHIREPOLICE1', coerced her into sending naked images by threatening to visit her home.
Early investigative efforts were carried out by Greater Manchester Police, who traced the account back to Mason living in Cheshire. The investigation was then passed to Cheshire Police, who launched a warrant at Mason's former Willaston home, uncovering multiple mobile phones, handcuffs, children's shoes, and a knife.
Despite answering "no comment" during police interviews, Mason continued to communicate with a neighbour, admitting to blackmailing a 14-year-old girl using Snapchat. Further admissions led to identifying additional victims.
Analysis of Mason’s devices revealed indecent images and videos, and further conversations unfolded Mason's manipulative tactics targeting minors.
Detective Constable Corinne Kinvig from Cheshire Police's Online Child Abuse Investigation Team acknowledged the coordination and bravery from victims which led to a successful conviction.
Upon sentencing, Mason was ordered to sign the sex offenders register indefinitely, with restraining orders against victims.
Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Corinne Kinvig, of the Online Child Abuse Investigation Team at Cheshire Police said: “Engaging in communications with young people solely for the purpose of sexual gratification is truly abhorrent, and I welcome the sentence handed Ethan Mason today.
“Mason was fully aware that his victims were children, but he purposefully chose to target them with intimidating and threatening messages, even going as far as using an account called ‘CheshirePolice1’.
"He believed that hiding behind a screen would allow him to avoid detection, but he was wrong.
“Thanks to courage of the victims who spoke out about what had happened, along with the work of the dedicated team of officers here at the Online Child Abuse Investigation Team, Mason’s identity has now been revealed, and he has now been held accountable for his actions.
Mason's case highlights the severe consequences of exploiting vulnerable individuals through digital platforms, setting an example for ongoing vigilance in online safety.