Gamer Groomer Jailed Over Sexual Chats With Boys Aged 11 and 13
A predator who preyed on two young boys through online gaming has been locked up for over four years. James Sanby was sentenced to four years and four months after targeting an 11-year-old and a 13-year-old.
How Sanby Got Caught
Sanby was arrested in July 2020 for communicating in a sexual manner with the younger boy. During a police interview, he admitted to grooming the 13-year-old as well. He had messaged both victims while they played online games.
He faced multiple charges, including:
- Engaging in sexual communication with a child
- Causing a child to engage in sexual activity
- Making indecent images of a child
- Two breaches of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO)
Sanby was held in custody since his arrest last year and will remain under an indefinite SHPO after release.
Warning to Parents About Online Gaming Risks
“If your children are into online gaming it is really important that you know who they are speaking with,” warned Detective Chief Inspector David McKean. “Sanby used online gaming to start conversations with his victims before communicating with them in a depraved manner over chat. Our focus has been on safeguarding the boys and bringing Sanby to justice, and our communities are now safer for this conviction.”
