A twisted predator from Milton Keynes has been jailed for 14 years after a major police crackdown exposed his sickening online grooming spree targeting teenage girls across the UK. Gareth Viccars, 47, pleaded guilty to multiple sexual offences against youngsters and was slammed behind bars at Snaresbrook Crown Court.
How Viccars Targeted Teens on Snapchat
Viccars hunted vulnerable girls using Snapchat’s ‘mutual friends’ feature to worm his way into their trust. He often posed as a teacher or trusted adult before grooming and abusing them.
- First approached his youngest victim in November 2021, when she was just 15
- Lured her to Romford, Essex, then sexually assaulted her
- Manipulated victims with fake relationship lies
- Crimes stretched over years in Huntingdon, Northamptonshire, and beyond
Police Warn Many More May Have Been Targeted
Detective Chief Inspector Ross Morrell called Viccars’ crimes “shocking” and urged other victims to come forward. Viccars also faces a lifetime on the sex offenders register alongside his jail term.
“We believe there may be hundreds of further victims who have not yet reported to the police,” said DCI Morrell. “Any further victims deserve specialist support from the police and independent charities.”
Detective Constable Lewis Whitlock added: “Every girl deserves to feel safe. If you recognise Viccars’ methods or think you or your child might be a victim, please call 101 or report online.”
National Hunt Underway as Support Offered
The Met Police say this is a nationwide appeal—not just local. Viccars used fake profiles and switched accounts, but his grooming tactics are clear to investigators. All survivors are receiving specialist support. Police urge anyone who might be affected to come forward for justice.
Charges Faced by Gareth Viccars
- Engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child
- Repeated sexual activity with children (multiple counts)
- Sexual communication with a child
- Meeting a child following sexual grooming
- Causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity
For more on the Met’s work tackling violence against women and girls, visit their VAWG Action Plan.
