Cardiff Crown Court has handed an eight-year jail term to a 19 year old teen after confessing to exploiting 37 girls through online sexual abuse.

The court justified 69 offenses against suspect Cory Jones, from Treorchy, in Rhondda Cynon Taf, which included blackmail, causing a child to engage in sexual activity, and distributing indecent images.

These offenses happened between 2022 to 2024 and involved minors aged 10-16.

Judge Jeremy Jenkins presided over the case and said that “highlights the dangers of children having unsupervised access to social media”.

Jones was also made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

Upon hearing, the court heard how Jones lured the victims and gained their trust before asking them to send explicit photos and videos of themselves.

He blackmailed children who refused further requests, stating that he would he would publish previously sent images on social media.

Jones also sent sexual photos and videos of himself to the children.

During his arrest, police officers discovered 172 indecent images of minors on his phone.

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The court was told that Jones used platforms like Snapchat to message his victims and sometimes lied about his age while requesting nude photographs and videos.

According to the prosecutor, James Wilson, the victims felt “sick”, “betrayed,” and “creeped out” when Jones demanded explicit images.

One victim, aged 12, testified that she was nervous and upset during the first time of offense.

“When this first happened to me, it made me feel very nervous and upset,” she said.

“I was worried that people would find out what I had done and treat me differently,” she added.

“Since telling the police, I’ve had some counseling… I blame myself for everything, really,” she continued.

Another victim revealed that she trusted him and thought he was a loyal friend, but ended up regretting it.

“He has made me feel stupid for believing everything he said to me,” she shared.

John Ryan defended John, urging the judge to consider the suspect’s lack of maturity due to his age at the time of the offense that took place between 2022 to 2024.

Also Read: Court Jails Man for Life Over Sexual Offences Against Minors

How Suspect Was Corrupted by Watching Pornography

Judge Jenkins said he believed Jones, described as socially isolated and “a loner”, had been “corrupted” by watching pornography.

You have a completely distorted view of loving relationships and matters sexually.”

However, Det Insp Stuart Prendiville condemned the suspect for targeting young women online and lying about his age.

“His exploitation of vulnerable children for his own sexual gratification is a stark reminder of the dangers that exist online,” he added.

Prendiville sympathized with the victims and believed the conviction brought them some “measure of comfort and justice”.

He added that such unethical behavior would not be tolerated and encouraged parents to protect their children.

South Wales Police praised the immense bravery of the victims who survived for coming forward and speaking out.

According to Lisa McCarthy of the Crown Prosecution Service, Jones was deceptive for coercing children into indecent acts.

“Cory Jones was deceptive and manipulative, coercing children to engage in acts to satisfy his own sexual gratification and blackmailing some by threatening to publish sexually exploitative images on social media when they refused.”

“This was a substantial and complex investigation, with the number of child victims quite shocking,” she added.

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Cardiff Crown Court building for illustration purposes. PHOTO/BBC