Ashley Jepson

Ashley Jepson, a 32-year-old man of no fixed address, was investigated by Staffordshire Police following a report to Cheshire Police in September 2024. The report detailed that a TikTok user had sent explicit videos of himself to two children, whom the article refers to as survivors, and had solicited explicit videos from them in return.

Upon establishing that the TikTok account belonged to Jepson, who resided in Staffordshire, Staffordshire Police initiated an investigation. Officers arrested Jepson and seized his phone, where they discovered a substantial collection of indecent images of children sourced from various locations across the UK. During his initial police interview, Jepson denied any knowledge of the offences, but in a subsequent interview, he provided no comment to all questions.

The Police Online Investigations Team (POLIT) at Staffordshire Police conducted extensive work to identify the survivors and gather statements from them, ultimately compiling evidence that led to Jepson being charged with over 20 offences. These included three counts of making an indecent photograph or pseudo-photograph of a child, one count of taking an indecent image or pseudo-photograph of a child, six counts of engaging in sexual communication with a child, four counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, six counts of causing or inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, and one count of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.

Jepson admitted to all charges at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court. On Friday, 9 January 2026, he was sentenced to 14 years' imprisonment. Detective Constable Meghann Ferneyhough from POLIT commented: “Jepson’s offending was widespread and I’m pleased that we’ve been able to take another dangerous sex offender off the streets. Our team are working relentlessly every single day in Staffordshire to identify those committing sexual offences online and to support survivors as much as possible.” The case was handled by Staffordshire Police, with initial reporting to Cheshire Police.