GLEN FRIEND FROM WALTHAMSTOW JAILED FOR EXPLOITING 9-YEAR-OLD GIRL ON LIVE.ME APP

In a disturbing case that highlights the dangers of social media platforms used by children, Glen Friend, aged 28 and residing in Walthamstow, has been sentenced to four years in prison for his involvement in encouraging a nine-year-old girl to perform sexual acts via a live streaming application. The incident took place in May of this year, when Friend, who was already a convicted sex offender, engaged with the young girl on the popular app Live.Me, which is known for its widespread use among children globally.

Friend’s influence over the girl was significant; he actively persuaded her to expose intimate parts of her body during a live broadcast. The video, which was posted by the young girl following Friend’s encouragement, attracted nearly 300 viewers before it was taken down. The removal of the video was initiated only after police intervened and requested its removal, underscoring the potential harm and the difficulty in controlling content once it is shared on such platforms.

The Metropolitan Police’s Scotland Yard issued a stark warning about the damaging effects of this type of online abuse, emphasizing that victims often suffer long-lasting psychological and emotional trauma. They urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and monitor their children’s activities on social media to prevent similar incidents.

It was revealed that Friend was already under the scrutiny of law enforcement authorities. He was arrested on August 4, as he was leaving prison, where he had been serving time for breaching his sex offender notification requirements. His prior conviction and ongoing restrictions did not prevent him from engaging in this new offense. Friend was also subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which explicitly prohibited him from contacting anyone under the age of 18 through any form of communication.

At Snaresbrook Crown Court, Friend pleaded guilty to charges of inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity and breaching the terms of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order. The court sentenced him to four years in prison and imposed a two-year extended supervision order to monitor his activities after release.

This case is believed to be the first successful conviction by the Metropolitan Police involving a predator using the Live.Me app to groom young children. Authorities are actively investigating other users who interacted with Friend on the platform, as they seek to identify and hold accountable those who may have contributed to the exploitation of the young girl. The case underscores the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating online grooming and protecting vulnerable children from digital predators.