TOM LAYWOOD GROOMED AND SEXUALLY ABUSED YOUNG BOYS AND GIRLS IN ALFRETON AND SWANWICK
| Red Rose Database
Alfreton Child Sexual Abuser
In June 2016, a disturbing case emerged involving Tom Laywood, a teenage internet personality from Derbyshire, who exploited his online influence to groom underage boys and girls for sexual abuse. Laywood, who once commanded a substantial following on his now-deleted YouTube channel with over 40,000 subscribers, used his digital platform to lure young victims to his residence in Oak Tree Close, Swanwick, where inappropriate sexual contact occurred.
According to police reports, the 18-year-old from Alfreton maintained a Twitter account titled "Tom Laywood Fans," which was dedicated to him and still active at the time of his arrest. Authorities revealed that Laywood would invite minors to his home, and when they refused his advances, he would threaten to leverage his online presence to embarrass or intimidate them. These threats served as a coercive tactic to silence or manipulate his victims, who were both boys and girls.
The investigation was initiated in early 2015 after multiple victims came forward, prompting law enforcement to take action. Laywood was subsequently arrested, charged, and ultimately pleaded guilty to multiple counts of inciting underage boys and girls to engage in sexual activities. He also admitted to forcing a minor to watch a sex act. The offences spanned from August 2014 to April 2015, highlighting a pattern of predatory behavior over several months.
Prior to his arrest, Laywood had gained notoriety for his "Tomisnotawesome" YouTube channel, which amassed nearly 31,000 subscribers and close to 957,000 views by late 2014. His content included videos with titles such as "Cute and Attractive Things Girls Do" and "Things That Annoy and Frustrate Me About Girls," which attracted a significant online following. By the end of 2014, he also had approximately 15,000 followers on Twitter and over 3,000 on Instagram. Additionally, he launched a second YouTube channel that garnered nearly 16,000 views before it was shut down.
Laywood’s social media presence was marked by a controversial post on his now-defunct Twitter account, where he stated, "I do things which I later regret, but who doesn’t?" This candid remark reflected his complex online persona. Furthermore, two years prior to his arrest, he initiated an online petition on Change.org titled "Let Tom Laywood back in Swanwick Hall School Sixth Form," claiming he was expelled without explanation and expressing a desire to continue his education and social life despite the allegations against him. The petition attracted 107 supporters before being closed.
At Nottingham Crown Court, Laywood was sentenced to a two-year community order for each count to which he pleaded guilty. As part of his sentence, he is required to undergo mental health treatment. Additionally, he received a five-year sexual harm prevention order, which prohibits him from working with or contacting anyone under the age of 16 online or in person during that period.
Judge Michael Stokes addressed the court, emphasizing the gravity of the offences and acknowledging the long-standing nature of Laywood’s issues. The judge noted that Laywood’s behavior was rooted in underlying conditions that affected his judgment, despite his evident intelligence and potential. The judge also recognized the support of Laywood’s parents and expressed concern about his previous incarceration in Nottingham Prison, which he wished to avoid returning to. The case underscores the serious consequences of exploiting online influence for predatory purposes and highlights the importance of safeguarding minors from such threats.
According to police reports, the 18-year-old from Alfreton maintained a Twitter account titled "Tom Laywood Fans," which was dedicated to him and still active at the time of his arrest. Authorities revealed that Laywood would invite minors to his home, and when they refused his advances, he would threaten to leverage his online presence to embarrass or intimidate them. These threats served as a coercive tactic to silence or manipulate his victims, who were both boys and girls.
The investigation was initiated in early 2015 after multiple victims came forward, prompting law enforcement to take action. Laywood was subsequently arrested, charged, and ultimately pleaded guilty to multiple counts of inciting underage boys and girls to engage in sexual activities. He also admitted to forcing a minor to watch a sex act. The offences spanned from August 2014 to April 2015, highlighting a pattern of predatory behavior over several months.
Prior to his arrest, Laywood had gained notoriety for his "Tomisnotawesome" YouTube channel, which amassed nearly 31,000 subscribers and close to 957,000 views by late 2014. His content included videos with titles such as "Cute and Attractive Things Girls Do" and "Things That Annoy and Frustrate Me About Girls," which attracted a significant online following. By the end of 2014, he also had approximately 15,000 followers on Twitter and over 3,000 on Instagram. Additionally, he launched a second YouTube channel that garnered nearly 16,000 views before it was shut down.
Laywood’s social media presence was marked by a controversial post on his now-defunct Twitter account, where he stated, "I do things which I later regret, but who doesn’t?" This candid remark reflected his complex online persona. Furthermore, two years prior to his arrest, he initiated an online petition on Change.org titled "Let Tom Laywood back in Swanwick Hall School Sixth Form," claiming he was expelled without explanation and expressing a desire to continue his education and social life despite the allegations against him. The petition attracted 107 supporters before being closed.
At Nottingham Crown Court, Laywood was sentenced to a two-year community order for each count to which he pleaded guilty. As part of his sentence, he is required to undergo mental health treatment. Additionally, he received a five-year sexual harm prevention order, which prohibits him from working with or contacting anyone under the age of 16 online or in person during that period.
Judge Michael Stokes addressed the court, emphasizing the gravity of the offences and acknowledging the long-standing nature of Laywood’s issues. The judge noted that Laywood’s behavior was rooted in underlying conditions that affected his judgment, despite his evident intelligence and potential. The judge also recognized the support of Laywood’s parents and expressed concern about his previous incarceration in Nottingham Prison, which he wished to avoid returning to. The case underscores the serious consequences of exploiting online influence for predatory purposes and highlights the importance of safeguarding minors from such threats.