ROHAN SHARMA FROM COTTAM GREEN CAUGHT IN PRESTON SEX OFFENDER CASE

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Cottam, Preston, Rohan Sharma, aged 21, has been at the center of a serious criminal investigation involving child exploitation and possession of indecent images. The case came to light after a vigilant mother from Cottam took matters into her own hands, turning detective on the internet to protect her young daughter.

Sharma was previously convicted of inciting a young girl to engage in sexual activity. The incident involved his messaging to the girl, who was only 11 years old at the time, through various online platforms. The court heard that Sharma had sent her explicit messages, asking her to meet up and perform sexual acts. He also requested photographs from her and sent her a bare-chested picture of himself, further demonstrating his predatory behavior.

The mother, alarmed by the messages and notifications on her daughter’s phone, discovered Sharma’s contact details and the incriminating messages through the Whisper app. She found a series of lewd messages where Sharma asked her daughter to meet him and perform sexual acts. Recognizing the danger, she created her own profile on Whisper to monitor the suspect’s activity. Her suspicions were confirmed when she saw a topless selfie Sharma had sent to her daughter uploaded on the platform. She then commented “Hot” on the post and obtained Sharma’s Snapchat ID, which she shared with the police.

Further investigation revealed that Sharma had received and downloaded numerous indecent images of children onto his iPhone via the messaging app Kik in July 2016, the same day he contacted the young girl. Authorities found that he possessed a significant collection of explicit images and videos depicting young girls, some of whom appeared to be very young. These images were stored not only on his iPhone but also on his iPad, along with photographs of himself that he had sent to the girl.

Sharma’s arrest followed the discovery of these images and the evidence collected from his devices. During the court proceedings, it was disclosed that he had attempted to delete the Whisper app from his phone, likely in an effort to conceal his activities. Despite his denial of inciting the girl, the evidence against him was overwhelming.

In court, Judge Beverley Lunt sentenced Sharma to a two-year prison term, which was suspended for two years. Additionally, Sharma was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for a period of ten years. He was also given a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and mandated to participate in a sex offender’s treatment program. The court emphasized the seriousness of his offenses and the need for ongoing monitoring and intervention.

Sharma’s case has garnered significant attention in Preston, highlighting the importance of vigilance and proactive measures by parents and authorities to protect children from online predators. His sentencing is scheduled for February 22, and the community awaits further developments in this troubling case.