In 2026, the Offender Database reported that Charles Wood, then 34, of Worthing, West Sussex, was sentenced to 2 years and 4 months in prison at Lewes Crown Court. Wood, a “vile” and “vicious” predator, carried out a “serious” and highly sophisticated campaign of online deception and abuse targeting young women and teenage girls. The investigation by Sussex Police revealed that Wood utilised a fictitious online persona named “Riley” to manipulate and exploit his victims for his own “depraved” and “vicious” sexual gratification.
The court heard horrendous details of the lengths Wood went to maintain his “vile” deception. He used voice-changing applications to impersonate a young female voice on TikTok, Instagram, and various dating sites, amassing a substantial following. Judge Van Der Zwart reported that the videos were “chilling” in their ability to deceive victims into believing they were communicating with a peer. While posing as “Riley,” Wood vilely pressured victims into sending explicit material, which he then shared with other predatory men online—an investigation into those individuals is currently reported to be ongoing.
Wood’s “vicious” behaviour included faking self-harm and suicide attempts as “Riley” to manipulate his victims emotionally. He also posed as “Riley’s” mother to further the “serious” psychological control he held over the girls. When Sussex Police raided his home in Worthing, they discovered a “sickening” collection of 30 child abuse images across Categories A, B, and C, along with extreme pornography. Investigator Rose Horan reported that Wood’s actions were “carefully planned, highly manipulative, and cruel,” leaving his victims feeling violated and betrayed.
As a result of his guilty pleas to possessing child abuse material, sending false communications with intent to cause harm, and sharing intimate images without consent, Charles Wood was jailed for 2 years and 4 months on 13 January 2026. He was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register and was made subject to a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). He is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Sussex Police, ensuring his “vicious” digital behaviour in Worthing and elsewhere is strictly monitored. Any attempt to re-establish an online presence or contact minors will result in his immediate arrest.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.