Ex-Social Worker Jailed for Exploiting Vulnerable Kids
A former West Sussex social worker has been locked up for abusing his position and sending explicit messages to vulnerable teenagers.
Disturbing Snapchat Messages Uncovered
The probe kicked off on 3 March after sexual messages surfaced on a vulnerable teenage girl’s Snapchat account. The messages were from 33-year-old Thomas Weller, from Horsham.
Weller continued the inappropriate chats even after the girl made it clear she was underage. He also offered to buy her alcohol in exchange for sexual favours.
Abuse of Trust and Data Misuse
The investigation found Weller misused his job to access personal data. When he was arrested on 24 March, police discovered he was messaging another teenage girl on Snapchat with similar sexual content.
Sentenced to Almost Three Years, with Long-Term Restrictions
Weller pleaded guilty at Lewes Crown Court to two counts of sexual communication with a child and misconduct in public office. On 27 September, he was sentenced to 34 months in prison.
He also received a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register for seven years.
Detective Chief Inspector Jon Gillings said: “Thanks to the bravery and support of Weller’s victims and their families, we have brought an extremely disturbing offender to justice.
“Weller held a position of trust, with a duty to protect vulnerable children. His crimes are a clear betrayal of that responsibility.”
“I thank West Sussex County Council and everyone involved for their work in catching Weller, putting him behind bars, and securing an order to limit further harm.”
