BOLTON MAN BEN THOMPSON SENTENCED FOR ONLINE GROOMING AND CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION IN GREATER MANCHESTER
Ben Thompson, a 23-year-old resident of Bolton, has been sentenced to prison after a disturbing case of online grooming and exploitation involving underage boys.The investigation revealed that Thompson engaged in a calculated and depraved scheme, where he manipulated dozens of teenage boys into sending him explicit photographs by masquerading as a 12-year-old girl.
His actions spanned across multiple regions, including the north-west of England, the North East, and the South West, highlighting the extensive reach of his online predation.
According to Greater Manchester Police, Thompson amassed a collection of over 1,000 indecent images and videos, which he had obtained through extortion and coercion of children.
The case came to light in June 2020 when the parents of an 11-year-old boy reported that their son had been groomed online.
This report prompted a detailed investigation, leading to the discovery of approximately two million photographs stored on Thompson’s electronic devices.
The sheer volume of material underscored the severity of his criminal activities.
Thompson operated under the alias Erinstewart788, pretending to be a girl named Erin.
Using this fake identity, he targeted vulnerable teenagers across various regions, including the north-west of England, the North East, and the South West.
Detectives revealed that when some of his victims refused to send explicit photos, Thompson would resort to threats, warning them, “Block me and you'll regret it.” Such threats were intended to intimidate and coerce the young victims into compliance, causing significant psychological distress.
His criminal activities culminated in his arrest on November 12, 2020, when authorities tracked him to an address in Lostock, Bolton, based on the details from his fake online account.
During the investigation, Thompson admitted to 28 counts of inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, as well as engaging in sexual communications with minors and possessing indecent images.
His actions were deemed highly malicious and calculated, reflecting a disturbing pattern of exploitation.
As a result of his conviction, Thompson was sentenced to four years in prison.
Additionally, he has been placed on the sex offenders' register for life and will be subject to a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Detective Sergeant Matt Quayle commented on the case, stating, “Thompson is a calculated and depraved individual who coerced teenage boys into sexual behaviour for his own perverse sexual gratification.
When they didn’t comply, he sent them vile threats which we know had a huge impact on the young victims and their mental health.” The case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat online child exploitation and protect vulnerable young people from predators like Thompson.
