Man used Snapchat and Roblox for child offences

Taran Jay Woodward, 24, had been previously convicted for online child sex offences

A man who used Snapchat and Roblox to “sexually exploit children” has been jailed for more than five years.

Taran Jay Woodward, 24, of Stroud, Gloucestershire, admitted attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and intentionally causing a female under 13 to engage in sexual activity.

He was sentenced at Gloucester Crown Court on Tuesday after pleading guilty to the offences, which happened against two girls in May 2022.

Woodward was arrested after the children's parents discovered what happened, and reported it to the police.

'Lengthy and diligent'

Woodward was also sentenced for two counts of breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

"Despite previously being convicted for online child sex offences, Woodward has continued to use popular social media apps to target and sexually exploit children,” said Det Sgt Bernadette Harding, of Gloucestershire Police.

Police said Woodward was arrested and charged as part of a "lengthy and diligent" investigation by Gloucestershire Constabulary’s Child Exploitation Team.

"When he was identified and later arrested, he provided a no comment interview," Det Sgt Harding said.

"It was clear from the evidence gathered that he knew he was speaking to, and sexually exploiting, children online."

Woodward was jailed for five years and four months, and was also ordered to forfeit all electronic devices, so they could be destroyed, and to pay a £190 victim surcharge.