Scott Chapman

Scott Chapman, a 25-year-old resident of Hereford, was identified as a dangerous sexual predator who targeted a vulnerable teenage girl online. At the age of 20, Chapman befriended a 14-year-old girl through digital means, fully aware of her underage status, before proceeding to sexually abuse her on multiple occasions.

The court proceedings revealed the severity of Chapman's actions, including a specific incident in April 2021 where he raped the victim despite her protests to stop. When confronted by the teenager about the assault, Chapman denied that it had occurred, exacerbating the trauma inflicted upon her. The victim provided a personal statement detailing the profound and lasting psychological and physical harm caused by these experiences, which have significantly impacted her life.

Initially sentenced on 18 September 2025 at Worcester Crown Court to 4 years and 3 months' imprisonment after pleading guilty to charges of rape, sexual activity with a child, and sexual communication with a child, Chapman's punishment was deemed unduly lenient. The Solicitor General, Ellie Reeves MP, intervened by referring the case to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence (ULS) scheme. On 5 February 2026, the Court of Appeal extended Chapman's sentence to 6 years and 8 months, ensuring a more appropriate term for the gravity of his offences.

Ellie Reeves MP commented on the case, stating: 'Scott Chapman is a dangerous sexual predator. He sexually abused a young girl on several occasions causing untold mental and physical harm. I would like to offer my deepest sympathies to the victim for the trauma she has endured. I welcome the court's decision to increase Scott Chapman’s sentence, preventing this dangerous offender from harming anyone else.' The case was reported by the Hereford Times, with details corroborated by West Mercia Police, highlighting the collaborative efforts to address such serious sexual offences against minors in the UK.