Leicester, UK — Tyler Webb, 23, has been sentenced to nine years and four months following a landmark conviction for encouraging a vulnerable woman he met online to harm herself for his own sexual gratification.
Sentenced on Friday at Leicester Crown Court, Webb was found guilty under section 184 of the Online Safety Act 2023, marking the first time in the UK this legislation has been used in such a case.
Webb, from King Crescent South in Loughborough, admitted to encouraging suicide and encouraging serious self-harm, offenses he committed via social media after targeting the woman online. Authorities confirmed the victim’s identity would remain protected due to the sensitive nature of the case.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) described the case as a “watershed prosecution.” Alex Johnson of the CPS emphasized the rarity of this charge being used: “As far as we are aware, this is the first successful prosecution for this specific offense under the new law.”
Webb was issued a hybrid order, meaning he will initially be detained at a secure mental health facility. Should he be deemed fit to leave, the remainder of the sentence will be served in prison.
Police praised the victim’s courage in coming forward, calling her actions “profoundly brave” and instrumental in bringing Webb to justice.