Scott Chapman, a 24-year-old man from Barklie Mead, Hereford, has been sentenced to four years and three months in prison for raping and sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl he befriended on social media. The sentence was handed down at Worcester Crown Court on Thursday, September 18, 2025, following an investigation that revealed Chapman’s calculated exploitation of the teenager through popular online platforms.
According to multiple reports from BBC Hereford & Worcester and the Hereford Times, Chapman first contacted the girl on Snapchat and Instagram in 2020, when he was 19 years old. Despite being fully aware of her age—she was only 14 at the time—Chapman initiated and maintained contact, which eventually led to in-person meetings. It was during these meetings that Chapman engaged in sexual activity with the girl, culminating in acts of rape and sexual assault.
Police say the abuse came to light after the victim reported the incidents, prompting a thorough investigation by West Mercia Police. Chapman initially denied any wrongdoing, but crucial evidence was soon uncovered. Investigators found incriminating material on Chapman’s phone, including evidence of sexual communication with a child and indecent photographs. This digital trail ultimately contradicted his denials and formed a significant part of the prosecution’s case.
Chapman ultimately admitted to one count of rape, four counts of sexual assault by penetration of a female aged 13 to 15, engaging in sexual communication with a child, and making an indecent photograph or pseudo-photograph of a child. The court heard that, despite his initial denials, Chapman’s eventual guilty plea was taken into account during sentencing, as this was his first offence.
In addition to the custodial sentence, Chapman was served with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order lasting ten years. This order imposes strict conditions on his future behavior: Chapman is prohibited from having unsupervised contact with any female under the age of 16, cannot work—either paid or voluntary—in any role involving contact with girls below 16, and must keep police informed of his address and personal details. The order is designed to protect potential future victims and prevent Chapman from exploiting his position in the community.
The crimes, which occurred over a period beginning in 2020, only came to the attention of authorities in April 2022 when the victim reported the abuse. The subsequent investigation was described by police as meticulous, with officers uncovering evidence not only of the sexual relationship but also of other sexual offences. The digital nature of the initial contact between Chapman and his victim highlights a growing concern among law enforcement agencies: the use of social media platforms by adults to groom and exploit minors.
Detective Inspector Ben Pearson of Hereford CID spoke to the media following the sentencing, emphasizing the importance of bringing sexual predators to justice. “We are pleased to get this custodial sentence for Chapman who preyed on an underage girl he met on social media before raping and sexually assaulting her,” Pearson said, as reported by the Hereford Times. He continued, “We hope today’s verdict shows we will always pursue sexual predators like him and bring them before the courts to face justice and that it will encourage other victims of rape and sexual assault to come forward.”
Detective Inspector Pearson also offered reassurance to other potential victims: “We will always listen to you, take your concerns seriously and protect you from offenders like Chapman.” This message, echoed by West Mercia Police, is part of a broader effort to encourage reporting of sexual offences, particularly those involving minors and online grooming.
The case has underscored the risks posed by social media to young people, as well as the challenges faced by law enforcement in investigating and prosecuting such crimes. Platforms like Snapchat and Instagram, which are immensely popular among teenagers, have become frequent tools for offenders seeking to exploit the anonymity and accessibility of online communication. Authorities have repeatedly warned parents and guardians to remain vigilant about their children’s online activities and to be alert to the dangers posed by seemingly innocuous interactions with strangers.
In response to this and similar cases, police and child protection organizations have ramped up efforts to educate both young people and adults about online safety. Resources are available on the West Mercia Police website, offering guidance on how to recognize and report inappropriate contact, as well as tips for staying safe while using social media. Victims of sexual offences are urged to contact police directly or, if they wish to remain anonymous, to reach out to the independent charity Crimestoppers.
The sentencing of Scott Chapman marks the end of a distressing chapter for the victim and her family, but it also serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by online predators. The case has prompted renewed calls for tighter regulation of social media platforms and improved mechanisms for detecting and reporting suspicious behavior. While technology offers unprecedented opportunities for connection, it also presents unique challenges for protecting vulnerable users—challenges that, as this case demonstrates, require constant vigilance and coordinated action from law enforcement, social services, and the platforms themselves.
As the community in Hereford comes to terms with the outcome of this case, local authorities are keen to stress that support is available for victims of sexual abuse, and that every report will be taken seriously. The hope among police and advocates alike is that this conviction will not only deliver justice for one victim but also encourage others to come forward, knowing that their voices will be heard and that offenders will be held accountable.
For now, Scott Chapman will serve his sentence behind bars, unable to harm other young people. The ten-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order will remain in force upon his release, a measure intended to protect the public and deter future offences. The vigilance of law enforcement, the bravery of the victim in coming forward, and the clear message sent by the court all contribute to a wider effort to confront and reduce sexual violence against children—a challenge that remains as urgent as ever.
