RYAN STONE FROM GODELAMING SENTENCED TO 3 YEARS FOR ONLINE GROOMING IN SURREY

Ryan Stone, a 21-year-old resident of Godalming, has been handed a prison sentence of three years following his involvement in a disturbing online grooming scheme targeting underage boys. The conviction stems from his use of a fabricated online persona, through which he engaged with minors and manipulated them into performing sexual acts.

Stone adopted the alias Isabella, a fictitious young woman, in an attempt to lure teenage boys aged between 11 and 17. Under this false identity, he successfully enticed his victims to send explicit videos and perform sexual acts, which he then recorded and stored electronically. This malicious activity was uncovered after Surrey Police launched an investigation, prompted by referrals from the National Crime Agency (NCA) during the months of July and August 2021. The authorities' inquiry revealed that Stone’s online interactions were predicated on deception and exploitation.

He faced a total of 15 criminal charges, including inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, as outlined under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, and the creation and possession of indecent images, in accordance with the Protection of Children Act 1978. The case underscores the serious nature of online grooming and the dangers posed by individuals who exploit digital platforms to prey on vulnerable minors.

Detective Constable Connor Leney, a member of Surrey Police’s Paedophile Online Investigation Team, commented on the case, emphasizing the predatory behavior of Stone. He stated, “Stone purposely groomed children online for his own sexual gain without regard for the lasting impact on them. It highlights the importance of being aware of fake profiles and talking to children about online dangers.”

He further explained that signs of fraudulent profiles include the absence of profile images, requests for sexual images, video calls where the other person’s face is not shown, or behaviors that involve secrecy with phones. Parents and guardians are urged to trust their instincts and to report any suspicious activity to the police and social media platforms.

Authorities also provide resources to help families and children stay safe online, along with contact information for police in case of emergencies. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing risks associated with digital interactions and the importance of vigilance in protecting minors from online predators.