OLIVER PRICE CAUGHT IN COWES: ISLE OF WIGHT PAEDOPHILE GROOMS 12-YEAR-OLD ON SNAPCHAT

In August 2023, a disturbing case involving a paedophile from the Isle of Wight has come to light, highlighting the dangers lurking on social media platforms like Snapchat. Oliver Price, aged 29 and residing on Oxford Street in Cowes, appeared before the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court on Tuesday, August 15, where he pleaded guilty to multiple serious charges related to his inappropriate and illegal communications with a minor.

Prosecutor Lauren Stone outlined the details of the case, revealing that Price had added a 12-year-old girl on Snapchat and engaged her in sexually explicit conversations. The court was informed that Price had initiated contact after the girl posted a story on her account. Despite knowing her age, Price falsely claimed to be 17, when in reality he was turning 27 at the time of the offenses.

The court heard that between March 1, 2021, and April 15, 2021, Price sent the girl explicit images and videos of himself touching his genitals through his boxers. He also sent videos of himself performing sexual acts, grooming the young girl over a period of weeks. During this grooming process, he initially made her feel guilty for not responding promptly and for not reciprocating his advances. Over time, the girl was persuaded to send her own images and videos.

Price’s communication included compliments on her appearance, and he nicknamed her ‘naughty girl’. The court was shown evidence that he sent videos of himself engaging in sexual acts, further manipulating the young victim. The grooming and exploitation culminated when the girl’s mother discovered the inappropriate conversations on her daughter’s phone. Concerned and alarmed, she contacted the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary to report the incident.

During the hearing, Amy Hosell, representing the defendant, requested that the case be transferred to the Crown Court for further proceedings, pending a report. A sentencing date has been scheduled for September 13, where Price will face the consequences of his actions in a higher court setting.