Romeo Smalley

Romeo Smalley, a 20-year-old from Oldham, has been jailed for sexually assaulting a boy under the age of 13. The offences came to light after a school headteacher recognised the victim in two disturbing YouTube videos posted online by Smalley, in which the boy was tied up and restrained.

The videos, lasting just over six minutes and five minutes respectively, showed the boy bound with tape as he attempted to escape. In one clip, Smalley could be heard encouraging viewers to 'like and subscribe', while a judge later noted that Smalley appeared 'sexually aroused' during the recording. Prosecutor Peter Wilson explained that Smalley had an interest in 'restraint' and 'bondage', admitting he was aroused by the thought of people being tied up, though he claimed no specific sexual interest in children.

The abuse began after Smalley gave the boy a mobile phone to communicate via Snapchat. He groomed and manipulated the younger boy, instructing him not to tell his parents and promising payment for completing the 'activity'. The boy later stated he 'didn't like' being tied up and that Smalley 'never did anything funny'. Officers also discovered other concerning videos on Smallley's devices, though he was not prosecuted for those.

Smalley was arrested following the school's report but initially denied the sexual assault, claiming the videos were the boy's idea and posted 'for a laugh'. However, he eventually pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13 at Manchester Crown Court. Judge Tom Gilbart described the actions as 'very serious', stating: 'You have taken advantage of a much younger person. You sexually assaulted him on two occasions. There was evidence of grooming and manipulation in what you did.'

The victim's mother highlighted the profound impact, saying: 'Romeo was devious in how he did this. He [the victim] thought it was him that had done something wrong.' In defence, barrister Howard Bernstein argued it started as a 'game that young people play', but acknowledged Smallley's admitted sexual motivation elevated it to an offence. Bernstein noted Smallley's diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, lack of maturity, no previous convictions, and difficulties in custody, including bullying during his eight months on remand.

Smalley, who was 18 at the time of the offences, resides on Longfellow Crescent in Oldham. The case was reported by the Manchester Evening News and covered in the Daily Record on 25 January 2024.