A dangerous predator from Yeovil has been sentenced to nearly three years in prison after using Snapchat to groom a teenage girl he knew was under 16. Jason Squibb, aged 25 and residing on Westfield Road, pleaded guilty to a sexual offence against a child.
On Friday, January 30, at Taunton Crown Court, Squibb received a sentence of two years and eight months in prison. Additionally, he must register as a sex offender and is subject to a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
The court heard troubling details about how Squibb exploited Snapchat to communicate with the underage girl, enticing her with promises of alcohol. Despite knowing her true age, in October 2021, he engaged in sexual activity with her.
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Following the sentencing, the victim’s mother shared a powerful message about her daughter’s resilience: “Four years ago, our daughter’s life was changed forever. She has endured profound trauma, but her courage in seeing this case through is inspiring. She wants other young victims to know they are not alone and encourages them to speak up for justice and protection.”
Detective Constable Elisabeth Dane of the Internet Child Abuse Team (ICAT) emphasized the victim’s bravery, stating, “Squibb manipulated a child by offering alcohol in exchange for sexual acts. Thanks to the victim’s and her family’s courage, a dangerous offender is now behind bars and can no longer harm other girls.”
Avon and Somerset Police reiterated their commitment to supporting victims of sexual crimes and holding offenders accountable. They affirmed that every person who reports a sexual offence is entitled to anonymity.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by predators exploiting social media platforms and highlights the importance of vigilance and support for victims.