Tyler Webb: Man who encouraged woman to kill herself sentenced

In a groundbreaking legal case, a man named Tyler Webb, 23, was sentenced at Leicester Crown Court for repeatedly and persistently urging a vulnerable woman he met online to take her own life. The victim, whose identity remains protected, was asked by Webb to harm herself for his own sexual pleasure after their initial contact on social media. The woman’s courage in reporting the offense led to Webb becoming the first person in the country to be charged with encouraging serious self-harm online under section 184 of the Online Safety Act 2023. As a result, Webb received a hybrid order of nine years and four months, involving detention in a mental health facility with the possibility of serving the remaining sentence in prison if deemed fit.

Despite being a legal first, other cases similar to Webb’s have since concluded, according to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). In his admission, Webb acknowledged to encouraging suicide and assisting someone in serious self-harm. This milestone prosecution by the CPS was described by Alex Johnson as a watershed moment, emphasizing its uniqueness in prosecuting individuals targeting vulnerable persons through social media using this offense. The victim, displaying immense bravery, reported the incidents to the police, leading to Webb’s arrest and subsequent legal proceedings.

During the court hearing at Leicester Crown Court, prosecutor Louise Oakley revealed the disturbing details of Webb’s interactions with the victim. After connecting on a social media forum discussing mental health issues, Webb escalated the situation by pushing the victim to inflict harm on herself over the Telegram messaging app. He further requested images of her injuries for his own pleasure and eventually coerced her to attempt suicide during a video call. The victim’s resolute actions in providing law enforcement with substantial evidence, such as audio recordings and screenshots, culminated in Webb’s conviction for his calculated and harmful actions.

Leicestershire Police commended the victim for her pivotal role in collecting the indispensable evidence that led to Webb’s arrest and brought him to justice. Detective Constable Lauren Hampton condemned Webb’s predatory behavior towards a vulnerable individual seeking assistance online, highlighting the severity and distressing nature of the case. The victim’s prompt reporting ultimately prevented further harm, underscoring the importance of vigilance and courage in safeguarding vulnerable individuals from exploitation and harm in online spaces

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