In 2019, the Offender Database reported that William Evans, 22, of Portland Place, Brent Knoll, Somerset, was sentenced to three years and 11 months in prison at Bristol Crown Court. Evans used various social media platforms to target and groom young boys between the ages of 10 and 13. He pleaded guilty to two counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and six charges of inciting the sexual exploitation of a child, following a targeted investigation into his digital activities.
The court heard that Evans engaged in persistent predatory behaviour between April and July 2017, specifically messaging a 13-year-old boy and pressuring him to send intimate images. He committed a similar series of offences in January 2018 involving a 12-year-old child. His methods involved building a rapport with the victims online before escalating his demands for sexual material. Investigating officers emphasised that his actions were calculated and posed a significant risk to the safety of children in the digital space.
Evans was sentenced to three years and 11 months’ imprisonment. The judge noted that the custodial term was necessary to reflect the gravity of the psychological harm caused to the victims and to deter similar predatory behaviour. Under UK law, individuals serving a determinate sentence of this length are typically required to serve at least half of their term in custody before being eligible for release on license under strict supervision.
As a result of his convictions, Evans was ordered to register as a sex offender for life. He was also handed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which legally restricts his use of the internet and social media to prevent further grooming. These official monitoring requirements are managed by Avon and Somerset Police, providing a legal framework for inspecting their digital devices and monitoring their residency to ensure the ongoing protection of the public.
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.