Snapchat Predator Jailed for Raping Child
A 25-year-old man has been locked up for seven years for raping a child he targeted on Snapchat. Joshua Emery was sentenced at Stafford Crown Court on Monday, 29 September, after a jury found him guilty.
Grim Details of the Crime
Emery, then 22, was convicted of raping a girl aged between 13 and 15 in August 2022 near Essington Pools. He had reached out to the victim via Snapchat, claiming he thought she was at least 16.
Taxi Booking Leads Cops to Predator
Police wasted no time tracking Emery down. Using a taxi booking made to the crime scene as a breadcrumb, specialist officers arrested him within days. Electronic devices and clothing were seized and used as evidence.
Despite Emery’s denials, the victim’s testimony and the strong evidence convinced the jury to convict him.
Seven Years’ Jail, Life on Sex Offenders’ Register
Emery will serve seven years behind bars and must remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life. He also faces a £228 victim surcharge once released.
Detective Constable Hayley Cave said: “This was a harrowing case of an extremely serious sexual offence involving a child. I’d like to praise the victim, whose courage in coming forward and supporting the investigation has been instrumental in securing this conviction. Her strength and resilience are commendable.”
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