A man from the Wirral has become the first person sentenced for encouraging a child to self-harm, in what Greater Manchester Police are calling a landmark case.
Karl Davies, 42, was sentenced to 20 years in prison after encouraging a vulnerable young girl to self-harm herself while sexually abusing her over a period of several months.
This case is the first time someone has been prosecuted for encouraging or assisting a child to engage in serious self-harm, an offence under the 2023 Online Safety Act.
The offences began in June 2023. Davies used Snapchat to contact the girl, who was 13 at the time.
He created several fake accounts, using different fake names, and alternated between blackmailing her to send indecent images and acting supportive of her issues.
By June the following year, Davies – under the alias ‘Mark’ travelled to meet the under age child in Stockport. There, he picked up the 14-year-old in her school uniform and assaulted her.
These meet-ups occurred multiple times throughout June to July.
Davies encouraged the young girl to hurt herself and provided her with a razor for the purpose of self-harm during one of the meet-ups.
The young girl came forward in January 2025 and an extensive investigation was subsequently launched.
Detective Sergeant Robert Griffiths, from GMP’s Stockport district, said: “I want to remind people within Greater Manchester that officers across every district are there to help you.
If you have ever suffered from sexual abuse or grooming, then please do get in touch with us.”
Greater Manchester Police issued advice is that if you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, do not suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.
St. Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre provide a 24/7 rape and sexual abuse support line, they can be contacted by phone, via: 0808 500 2222, or you can start a chat online on their website: https://247sexualabusesupport.org.uk/
