Taran Jay Woodward, a resident of Stroud, has been incarcerated after admitting guilt to four counts of online sexual offences against minors.
Taran Jay Woodward, 24 years old, was sentenced to five years and four months in jail at Gloucester Crown Court on Tuesday, December 3.
He had previously admitted guilt to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a minor, deliberately forcing a female under the age of 13 to participate in sexual behaviour, and two counts of violating a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
The allegations pertain to acts perpetrated against two girls on the social media platform Snapchat and the online game Roblox in May 2022.
Taran Jay Woodward was apprehended and indicted in connection with an inquiry conducted by the Child Exploitation Team of Gloucestershire Constabulary.
His offending was identified after the parents of the children he targeted discovered the offences and reported what happened to their local police forces.
Intelligence checks were made, and Taran Jay Woodward was identified and arrested. He answered no comment in interview.
Detective Sergeant Bernadette Harding said: “Despite previously being convicted for online child sex offences, Taran Jay Woodward has continued to use popular social media apps to target and sexually exploit children.
“When he was identified and later arrested, he provided a no comment interview. It was clear from the evidence gathered that he knew he was speaking to, and sexually exploiting, children online.
“This was a lengthy and diligent investigation, and I’m pleased with the outcome which includes a term of imprisonment and a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
“The Child Exploitation Team is dedicated to tackling offences of this nature, bringing offenders to justice and safeguarding children from harm.”
Taran Jay Woodward, of Barrowfield Road, was also ordered to forfeit all electronic devices so that they can be destroyed and pay a £190 victim surcharge.
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