Barthimaus Ehiemere, 25, was handed an 18-year sentence (Picture: Metropolitan Police/PA Wire)
A paedophile was jailed for nearly 50 child sex offences of boys he groomed over Snapchat.
Barthimaus Ehiemere, 25, from Hackney in east London, was sentenced to 18 years in prison at Snaresbrook Crown Court today (Thursday, November 20).
These charges relate to seven victims who were aged between 12 and 16 at the time.
After analysing his phones investigators found that Ehiemere had been using Snapchat and Spotafriend to groom boys for sex.
He would send them gifts, money and praise in return for indecent images which he would then use to advertise and encourage other boys to do the same.
Ehiemere would ‘actively brag’ about his endeavours and sell the illegal content to other paedophiles.,
In an impact statement read out by Mr Brown, one victim said they were ‘waking up with nightmares’ about Ehiemere.
The victim added: ‘It took me a long time to realise I was a child and it wasn’t my fault.’
Prosecutor James Brown KC said Ehiemere had a ‘deep-seated and commercial interest in the sexual abuse of young teenage boys’.
He added: ‘On Snapchat, there were numerous examples of him advertising broadly and widely for images of a sexual nature from younger teenage boys.
‘He frequently offered money for those images.
‘He was very much in the business of encouraging young teenage boys to send him images of themselves performing sexual acts.”
The prosecutor said Ehiemere had searched for material such as ‘young boy rape’ on his devices.
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Ehiemere also posted on Snapchat ‘always meeting new boys… pop up and take my money’ and ‘I trade quality nudes’.
A screenshot of a Snapchat message by Ehiemere (Picture: Metropolitan Police/PA Wire)
Det Cons Lindsey Luscombe, who was singled out for praise by the judge for her investigation, said: ‘I commend the victim-survivors for their incredible bravery in this case.
‘Three of them testified at trial, and this proved vital in holding Ehiemere to account for his horrendous crimes.
‘Ehiemere is one of the most prolific and depraved sexual predators we have seen in recent years.
‘He groomed his victims online, demonstrating a dangerous pattern of offending.
‘This case demonstrates the insidious nature of online child sex abuse, and its grave implications in the real world.
‘But it also shows how the authorities – using digital resources – can bring even the most devious offenders to justice.’
A screenshot of a Snapchat message by Ehiemere (Picture: Metropolitan Police/PA Wire)
A screenshot of a Snapchat message by Ehiemere (Picture: Metropolitan Police/PA Wire)
Spotting the signs of abuse
The Metropolitan Police said people who sexually abuse children rely on secrecy to make sure their crimes are not discovered and reported.
There can be physical or behavioural signs that a child is being abused – children often show us rather than tell us something.
This includes:
- Child suddenly having nightmares or other sleeping problems.
- Becoming withdrawn or very clingy.
- The child acting in a sexual way with toys or objects.
- Personality changes such as outbursts of anger or changes in eating habits.
- Having unexplained gifts such as money, a mobile phone and/or expensive clothes.
After the trial, DCI Kirk Doyle said: ‘Barthimaus Ehiemere was a prolific and predatory sexual offender who committed some of the most cowardly and abhorrent crimes imaginable.
‘His actions have caused deep and lasting harm to hundreds of young boys. But thanks to the extraordinary bravery of the victims and relentless work of my team, he will no longer be free to hurt others.’
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Calling on parents or victims to come forward, quoting Operation Teigar, he added: ‘We know there are still victims who have not yet come forward. The number of identified victims remains at seven, but we believe there are many many more.
‘You will be listened to. You will be believed. You will be supported. No matter how much time has passed, it is never too late to speak out. Every piece of information could help us uncover the full extent of Ehiemere’s offending.’
Survivors are encouraged to contact police by reporting online or by calling 101 and quoting Op Teigar, where officers will arrange contact.
You can also report abuse and get support from the NSPCC – 0808 800 5000, or visit www.nspcc.org.uk.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected].
For more stories like this, check our news page.
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