Monster Groomed and Blackmailed Young Girls Online
Between 2015 and 2018, Hampshire police’s Internet Child Abuse Team (ICAT) tracked a vile predator using email and social media to target young girls. The FBI and other agencies tipped them off about Joshua Pelling, 35, from Sandown.
Twisted Abuse Spanned UK and US
Pelling used online chat sites to coerce children, some as young as 10, into performing sexual acts and sending explicit images and videos. One victim was forced to send over 300 pictures and up to 40 videos.
He blackmailed the children by threatening to share their images with family and friends if they didn’t comply.
Hiding Behind Neighbour’s WiFi – Innocent Man Arrested
Desperate to cover his tracks, Pelling hacked a neighbour’s WiFi to contact victims. Shockingly, this innocent neighbour was arrested before the police uncovered the truth.
Justice Served – Eight Years Behind Bars
After being arrested and confronted with overwhelming evidence, Pelling admitted to 21 charges including making and taking indecent images, engaging in sexual communication with minors, and inciting sexual activity involving girls under 15.
He later pleaded guilty to breaching a Sexual Risk Order and possessing cannabis with intent to supply, after police seized £3,100 worth of drugs and £680 cash from his home.
On 23 February 2023, Pelling was sentenced to eight years in prison, plus two years extended licence.
Detective Constable Martin Timmis said: “The level of depravity that Pelling reached to torment these poor children for his own sick gratification is utterly despicable. The tasks these girls were forced to perform were shocking and degrading and have understandably traumatised them.
Pelling is evil and twisted and belongs in prison. The lives of children have been shattered by his actions, and an innocent man was wrongly arrested due to Pelling’s warped tactics.
These young girls have shown immense bravery by reporting this abuse, and I’m grateful to our partners, including overseas, who helped stop Pelling’s horrific cycle of offending.”
Warning to Parents
Police urge parents to talk openly with their children about online dangers. Building trust is key so kids feel confident to speak out if they ever face abuse on the internet.
