Jail for rapist who groomed schoolgirls online

A GROOMER who preyed on three schoolgirls online before subjecting them to "horrendous" sexual abuse has been jailed for ten years.
Ben ChiversBen Chivers
Ben Chivers

Ben Chivers (20), of Rawmarsh, appeared at Sheffield Crown Court today (Monday) after pleading guilty last month to the offences which occurred in Rotherham in 2015.

Chivers admitted raping a 12-year-old girl, three counts of sexual activity with a 13-year-old girl and three counts of sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl.

He was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register for life and given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

His co-accused, Brett McLaughlan (25), of Rotherham, will appear at the same court in January after being found guilty of rape following a trial last month.

Det Sgt Gareth Gent said: “Chivers targeted underage girls online, grooming them with affection.

“Once his victims were in his grasp, he encouraged them to meet up and subjected these three girls to horrendous sexual abuse.

“They have been remarkably brave throughout our investigation and they are to be commended for their courage.

“I hope that with the lengthy sentence passed down today, this is another step forward in the girls’ recovery from their abuse, knowing that the person who caused them such harm is now behind bars for a long time.”

Ian Thomas, RMBC’s strategic director of children and young people’s services, said: “Chivers clearly preyed on these young girls’ vulnerability knowing full well their ages and knowing full well what he was doing was wrong.

“Rotherham is no hiding place for evil and through our partnership working with both South Yorkshire Police and Barnardo’s we have been able to work with these courageous victims to support them and to help them bring their perpetrators to justice.

“This sentence today once again shows we will not stop until we find the people committing these acts of evil and making sure they pay for what they have done.”

Anyone with concerns about a child can call police on 101 or call or text the national helpline Say Something on 116 000. 

The NSPCC also has 24/7 help available by calling 0808 800 5000 or emailing [email protected].