Historic UK Online Safety Act Convictions: Two Men Jailed for Encouraging Teen Self-Harm

Two men were jailed in London this week for encouraging teenage girls to self-harm. The landmark case marks one of the first convictions under the UK’s new Online Safety Act. Charlie Johnson, 24, and Prince Singh, 23, were sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court.

The case involved two vulnerable victims, aged 16 and 17. Authorities say the men encouraged the girls to carve their names into their own skin.

Court Details Reveal Disturbing Campaign of Coercion

The defendants encouraged the girls to use a pencil sharpener blade. They directed the victims to share images of the injuries on Discord. The Crown Prosecution Service stated the aim was to cause permanent scarring.

One victim said she still has nightmares. She told the court the abuse left her feeling trapped and scarred. Prosecutor Jonathan Mole described the acts as intended for the men’s sexual gratification.

Judge Ruth Downing called the offences serious. She noted the crimes targeted vulnerable young women in 2024. According to Reuters coverage of the case, the judge highlighted the defendants’ “deeply unhealthy interest.”

New Law Sets Precedent for Online Abuse Prosecutions

This case is a pivotal test of the Online Safety Act 2023. The Crown Prosecution Service confirms it is among the first jury trial convictions for encouraging serious self-harm under this law. It establishes a legal benchmark for holding online abusers accountable.

Johnson received a four-year prison sentence. Singh was sentenced to two years and nine months. The judge cited Singh’s guilty plea and his conviction related to only one victim as factors in the shorter term.

Both men were also convicted on child indecent image charges. These sentences will run concurrently. The judge acknowledged the novel nature of the case made sentencing complex.

This landmark ruling demonstrates the new power of the Online Safety Act to combat digital harm. The convictions send a clear message that encouraging self-harm online carries severe legal consequences.

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What law were the men convicted under?

They were convicted under the Online Safety Act 2023. This is one of the first jury trial convictions for encouraging serious self-harm using this new legislation. The law was designed to better police harmful online content.

What were their specific sentences?

Charlie Johnson was sentenced to four years in prison. Prince Singh received a sentence of two years and nine months. Both sentences are for encouraging serious self-harm.

How did they encourage the self-harm?

They used the Discord platform to direct the victims. The girls were told to carve the men’s names into their skin. Images of the injuries were then shared in an online chatroom.

Is this the first case under this new act?

It is among the first jury trial convictions for this specific offence. Another man, Tyler Webb, was sentenced earlier this year after pleading guilty to similar charges under the same act.

What was the motive for the crimes?

Prosecutors stated the men acted for their own sexual gratification. The Crown Prosecution Service cited evidence of controlling and coercive behavior aimed at making the victims comply.