Predator posed as a teenage boy
A 22-year-old man from Wigan has been jailed for 14 years after carrying out a series of child sex offences against 39 girls, including rape and blackmail.
Online deception
Stuart Latham pretended to be a 14-year-old boy named “Josh” to trick children into sending indecent images of themselves.
Use of social media adverts
He posted adverts online offering gift cards worth up to £200 in exchange for pictures, luring victims into what prosecutors described as “deliberate and calculated exploitation”.
Threats and blackmail
Once the girls complied, Latham threatened to share the images publicly if they refused further demands, creating a cycle of coercion and fear.
Victims aged 12 to 15
His victims were aged between 12 and 15 and lived across the UK. Police believe there may be further victims overseas, including in the United States.
In-person abuse
While most of his offending took place online, Latham also targeted two girls in person. One of them, a 12-year-old, was raped when he was 19. She believed he was just 15.
Large-scale investigation
Greater Manchester Police described the case as one of the largest multi-victim online abuse investigations the force has ever undertaken.
Hidden phone discovered
When officers arrested Latham in December 2023, they found a mobile phone hidden at the back of his wardrobe. It contained around 4,000 indecent images and videos of children.
Graphic material
Some of the recordings lasted up to an hour, further demonstrating the scale of Latham’s offending, the court heard.
Court proceedings
Latham faced Preston Crown Court, where he admitted 49 charges, including rape, blackmail, causing a child to engage in sexual activity, and making indecent images.
Judge’s remarks
Sentencing him, Judge Philip Parry branded Latham “a highly dangerous individual” and “a predatory sexual offender with little to no empathy or remorse”.
Lasting damage
The judge told the court: “It is no exaggeration to say you have left emotional wreckage in your wake as a result of the offending you committed against multiple young girls.”The first victim came forward.
Latham’s crimes first came to light after a young girl reported to authorities that she was in a sexual relationship with him.
Abuse of trust
He went on to exploit her friend similarly, showing what prosecutors said was a “pattern of deliberate targeting”.
Survivors in court
Both girls were present for sentencing. Sitting alongside their families, they held hands and listened as Latham was led from the dock.
Judge praises bravery
Judge Parry addressed the victims directly, telling them: “You are incredibly brave. I don’t know many adults who would be brave enough to do what you did.”
Message of support
He added, “No child or adult should blame themselves. You should all be proud of yourselves as you move forward. You have all beaten him. He has not won.”
Police appeal for more victims.
Greater Manchester Police said they believe more victims may exist, and encouraged anyone affected to come forward.
“Significant harm”
A police spokesperson said, “This case demonstrates the significant harm caused by online predators. Our teams will continue to pursue offenders and protect children at every opportunity.”
Sentence welcomed
Child protection charities and victim advocates welcomed the sentence, describing it as “a strong message” to those seeking to exploit vulnerable children online.
M10News Crime Desk | Contact: crime@m10news.com
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