Stuart Latham

Stuart Latham, a 22-year-old man from the UK, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for a series of predatory sexual offences against young girls. Operating between 2023 and 2024, Latham posed online as a 14-year-old boy named 'Josh' to deceive and exploit his victims, all aged between 12 and 15. His actions, described in court as those of a 'highly dangerous individual' with 'little to no empathy or remorse', involved rape, physical abuse, blackmail, and possession of extreme pornography.

The court at Preston Crown Court heard how Latham targeted 'hundreds' of girls, with specific offences against at least 37 confirmed victims. In one particularly harrowing case, Latham raped a 12-year-old girl after establishing a false relationship with her, leading her to believe he was a teenager. He also physically abused two young girls and committed dozens of online offences, often offering payments such as £200 for nude images or coercing victims into sending indecent photos and videos. Once obtained, Latham resorted to blackmail, threatening to distribute the material online unless the girls complied with further demands.

Latham's arrest came in December 2023 following a report from his first victim, who disclosed their sexual relationship under the pretence of his fabricated age. Investigations revealed the extent of his predatory behaviour, including offences against the initial victim's friend. Both girls demonstrated remarkable courage by attending the sentencing hearing to witness justice being served. Judge Philip Parry addressed them directly after Latham was removed from the dock, stating: 'You are incredibly brave. I don’t know many adults who would be brave enough to do what you did. 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.'

Prior to sentencing, Judge Parry characterised Latham's actions starkly: 'You are a highly dangerous individual, you are a predatory sexual offender with little to no empathy or remorse. 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.' Latham pleaded guilty to charges including rape, blackmail, and possessing extreme pornography. The case was reported by ITV News Granada, highlighting the dangers of online grooming and the importance of vigilance in protecting children from such predators.