Tobias Dadswell

Tobias Dadswell, a 21-year-old resident of Gillingham in Kent, was sentenced to five years' imprisonment at Maidstone Crown Court on 19 January 2026 for a series of online sexual offences against children.

On 16 June 2025, officers from Kent Police visited Dadswell's home on May Road, Gillingham, suspecting he had breached the terms of his existing Sexual Risk Order, which prohibited him from possessing any internet-enabled devices. Upon arrival, Dadswell handed over a mobile phone, leading to his immediate arrest. Forensic examination of the device revealed extensive evidence of his illicit activities.

Investigators discovered that Dadswell had been using the phone to contact individuals selling indecent images of children. He engaged in lewd conversations with profiles posing as teenage girls, attempting to arrange meet-ups in exchange for money. Most alarmingly, police uncovered messages sent to an underage girl he did not know via a video social platform. In these exchanges, Dadswell threatened to spread false rumours about her online unless she complied with his demands to send indecent pictures. Tragically, the victim acquiesced to his coercion.

Dadswell faced 17 charges, including causing a child to engage in sexual activity, breaching his Sexual Risk Order, and making indecent images of children. He admitted to 11 of these counts and was remanded in custody following his guilty pleas. At the sentencing hearing, the judge condemned his persistent predatory behaviour, highlighting the danger he posed to children despite the protective order in place.

• Key evidence included threatening messages and possession of prohibited devices.
• The case underscores the risks of online grooming and the importance of enforcing Sexual Risk Orders.

PC Areolito Gashi of Kent Police stated, "Dadswell’s offending despite his order shows him to be a persistent danger to children. His cruel actions have caused serious harm to a young person. This case is a stark reminder to stay alert and vigilant online." Upon release, Dadswell will be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order to restrict his future interactions and protect the public. The case was reported by UKNIP on 4 February 2026.