Man Jailed for Grooming Teenager Met on Roblox
Eastleigh Man Jailed for Child Exploitation
Carlo Tritta, 19, from Eastleigh, Hampshire, has been sentenced to 28 months in prison after admitting to grooming a 14-year-old girl he met on the popular online gaming platform, Roblox. The court heard how Tritta repeatedly messaged the teenager, encouraging her to send sexually explicit images of herself.
Detective Superintendent Rod Kenny, from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, highlighted the insidious nature of Tritta's actions, stating, "The young girl in this case thought she was in a loving relationship but it was founded in coercion, control and abuse."
Offender's Persistent Attempts to Obstruct Justice
Beyond the initial grooming, Tritta also pleaded guilty to two counts of intimidating a witness and criminal damage. After his arrest and release on bail, with strict conditions prohibiting contact with the victim, Tritta twice travelled hundreds of miles to the girl's home in Greater Manchester. He broke a doorbell camera, entered the property, and confronted her in an attempt to compel her to drop the case. Furthermore, he sent cards urging her not to support the prosecution and falsely reported her family to social services.
Judge Kieran Rankin, delivering the sentence at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, underscored the severity of Tritta's conduct, noting, "It was clear to you very early on that she was under 16. Your behaviour has had a significant negative effect on [the girl] and her family." The victim's mother described the family as being "constantly on edge," with their home no longer feeling like a safe space, while her daughter now lives with "fear and anxiety" and attends therapy.
A spokesperson for Roblox expressed deep sadness over the case, affirming that the platform's policies firmly prohibit child exploitation and that extensive safety systems are in place, with teams working closely with law enforcement.
