Dangerous child sex predator jailed after Met detectives use online data to track him down 

A predatory offender who sexually exploited three teenage girls aged under 18 he met on social media has been jailed after Met detectives linked him to crimes in London and the West Midlands.

Jake Wright, 29 (07.04.94) of Dells Close, Chingford was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment with four years extended licence at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Thursday, 25 January.

Detective Constable Samantha Thompson of the Met’s Specialist Crime Online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Unit, said: “I would like to commend the victims in this harrowing case, who have been truly traumatised by Wright. The memory of these horrific crimes will remain with them and their families for the rest of their lives. I hope this sentencing will bring them some peace.

“We will continue to do everything we can to ensure sexual predators who make our streets unsafe for women and girls are brought to justice.

“If you have been a victim of a sexual offence, we would urge you to speak to police so that you can get the support you deserve.”

In September 2022 Met officers were contacted by the family of a teenage girl from London.

The team established that in May 2022 she had been contacted on social media by Wright who had offered to send her £12,000 if she sent sexual photographs of herself.

Wright went on to offer more money if further pictures were sent which included images of the teenager’s friend.

Over a period of time, he went onto demand more photos from the pair and when they refused, Wright threatened them by sending photos of himself holding a firearm and by making video calls.

Wright also pressured the girls by threatening to send their explicit photos to their family and friends – which he subsequently did.

Detectives launched an investigation and following enquires they linked a similar report which was made to West Midlands Police in March 2022, where Wright had sexually exploited and threatened another teenage girl.

The court heard how in this case, Wright threatened to kill his victim and sent her images of himself with firearms and bullets. He told her she had the following options - to come to London and have intercourse with him, kill herself, or have the images distributed to her family and friends.

Detectives also worked alongside City of London Police who also became aware of Wright after a crime was reported to them on 16 October 2022.

Wright met the 17-year-old victim on snapchat and it soon turned into a sexual conversation. He initially asked for nude photos for money and then offered the victim £60,000 to meet him in a City hotel on 14 October 2022. They met and he refused to pay her the money. He was arrested on 21 October 2022 and subsequently charged with paying for sexual services of a child and causing sexual exploitation of a child.

Detectives established Wright’s social media accounts were used to make contact with all the teenage girls and images of the victims were found on his phone.

On 18 May 2023 at Snaresbrook Crown Court, Wright pleaded guilty to causing sexual exploitation of a child, causing a child to engage in sexual activity, paying for sexual services of a child and making indecent photographs of a child. On 21 September 2023 he pleaded guilty to threats to kill.

Detective Sergeant Ashleigh Dumas, City of London Police, said: “Wright exploited his victims to groom them over social media. He preyed on their vulnerability by offering large amounts of money, with no intention of paying, as a lure to abusing them in person.

“Everyone should be mindful of strangers they meet online. Do not trust someone you have only recently spoken to and question their intentions.

“It can be difficult for children to talk about grooming. Whether it's happening now or happened in the past, you can call the police.

The Met is committed to tackling violence against women and girls. Read the ten-point action plan here which explains how officers will pursue predatory offenders and make spaces safer.

As part of A New Met for London plan, the Met is doing more to build trust and support our London’s communities with issues that impact them the most. The Met is putting more people and focus into the team's protecting women and children from violence and going after predatory men who commit those crimes.

+ If you have been a victim of sexual assault or rape or you have information about an offender, contact police on 101 or 999 in an emergency – there are specially trained officers who will listen and investigate where needed.

Further information, including details of agencies and charities that can offer support, can be found on our website.