In 2025, the Offender Database reported that Stuart Latham, then 22, from Wigan, was jailed for 14 years for the “vile” rape of a 12-year-old girl and the “vicious” exploitation of dozens of others. Latham appeared at Preston Crown Court for sentencing on Friday, 19 September 2025, following what Greater Manchester Police (GMP) described as one of the UK’s largest-ever online child sexual abuse investigations.
The investigation revealed that Latham “callously” solicited explicit images from hundreds of girls, most aged between 11 and 13, over a single year. Using the “dishonest” alias ‘Josh’ and posing as a 14-year-old boy, he sent hundreds of messages at a time on Snapchat and other social media platforms. He “vilely” coerced victims into sending sexual images, often using threats to “leak” the material to their friends or family if they refused his “predatory” demands.
“Abhorrent” Exploitation and Sadistic Material
While “viciously” under investigation for the rape of a 12-year-old, Latham continued to amass over 4,000 indecent images on his devices. More than 1,000 of these were Category A, the most “serious” classification, depicting “sadistic” acts. Detective Simon France reported that Latham was “one of the most dangerous offenders” he had encountered in 14 years.
The court heard how Latham “manipulatively” groomed a 12-year-old girl, buying her erotic outfits and sex toys. He “callously” continued the sexual relationship even after being released on police bail. When questioned by officers about his “vile” behaviour, he “dishonestly” claimed he believed the girl was of legal age and “viciously” stated he carried on because he thought his situation “couldn’t be worse.”
“Emotional Wreckage” and Life-Long Monitoring
Judge Philip Parry emphasised that Latham is a “highly dangerous individual” with “little to no remorse.” He reported that Latham had left “emotional wreckage” in his wake, affecting at least 41 identified victims, including children in the US. One mother emphasised the “serious” impact, stating the ordeal taught her daughter that her body was “up for grabs.”
For his “vile” and “vicious” crimes, which included 49 separate offences, Stuart Latham was:
- Jailed for 14 years.
- Ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life.
- Subject to a Life-Long Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
Latham is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Greater Manchester Police and Lancashire Constabulary, ensuring his digital behaviour and residency are under constant “serious” scrutiny for the rest of his life. Any future attempt to “dishonestly” access social media or contact minors will result in his immediate arrest and return to prison.
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