SHANE MILTON FROM BRIGHOUSE AND EXMOUTH SENT OBSCENE IMAGE TO DISABLED 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a disturbing case that highlights the dangers of online predators, Shane Milton, a 23-year-old man originally from Brighouse and at the time residing in Exmouth, has been convicted of sending an obscene image to a vulnerable 13-year-old girl with disabilities. The incident took place in February 2018 and has since led to Milton being subjected to a court-mandated treatment program for sex offenders.

According to court proceedings, Milton initiated contact with the young girl shortly after she accepted his friend request on Facebook. The girl, who is confined to a wheelchair and relies heavily on social media to communicate with friends and stay connected to the outside world, was targeted through mutual acquaintances. Milton, who used the online alias 'Milky' during their chats, began engaging her with sexual messages within minutes of their connection.

Despite the girl explicitly informing Milton of her age on six separate occasions, he continued to pursue her. The court heard that he sent her an obscene image of himself and attempted to persuade her to start a video chat so he could perform a lewd act in her presence. The victim was understandably shocked and distressed by Milton’s actions, which have left her wary of using Facebook ever since.

Exeter Crown Court was told that Milton’s contact with the girl was facilitated through social media, and he was eventually identified and tracked down through Facebook and his IP address. The court heard that Milton, who was living in Exmouth at the time, had been using the Facebook handle 'Milky' to communicate with the girl, who is from the North of the UK.

During the hearing, prosecutor Miss Emily Pitts detailed Milton’s conduct, stating that he immediately began asking the girl about her physical development after she accepted his friend request. Despite her repeated warnings about her age, Milton persisted in his inappropriate advances, including attempting to initiate a video chat and sending the obscene image.

Milton initially denied any contact with underage girls but later admitted to the offences after evidence was presented. He explained that he had been living in Exmouth for six months and had been drinking heavily at the time of the incident.

In sentencing, Recorder Mr. Jonathan Barnes emphasized the seriousness of Milton’s actions, describing the offence as both 'serious and unpleasant.' He pointed out that the victim’s dependence on Facebook made her particularly vulnerable and that Milton’s persistence despite her protests was a significant aggravating factor.

As part of his sentence, Milton was ordered to attend a sex offenders’ treatment course and was placed under a two-year community order. Additionally, he was required to sign the sex offenders register for five years, reflecting the court’s concern over the potential risk posed by his conduct.