South Yorkshire pervert who pressured teen for explicit pictures walks free from court

Grant McNeil, 22, pressured his teenage victim into sending photographs of herself to him after harassing her online for several months.

McNeil, from Doncaster, then shared these photographs more widely- using the online aliases ‘Grant the Funny One’ and ‘Grant the Funny’.

Investigating Officer PC Sam Egan-Wyer said McNeil was ‘obsessive’, often sending his victim ‘hundreds of messages in a single day’.

“McNeil’s messages became grossly offensive and intimidating, as he desperately tried to coerce her into sending him photographs of herself,” he added.

“As the victim blocked McNeil, he would set up more social media accounts, finding new ways and identities to continue harassing her. One day, McNeil’s victim looked at her phone to find 70 unread messages, 10 missed calls and countless snapchat and Instagram messages.

“His offending wasn’t just online, he also followed his victim home from work to find out where she lived.

“This sustained harassment has been incredibly distressing for this young woman, who has been left in fear of leaving the house.

“I want her to know that I think she has been incredibly brave throughout this investigation and I commend her for taking steps to report McNeil’s crimes.”

McNeil, of Grangefield Avenue, pleaded guilty to stalking involving fear of violence and the distribution of an indecent photograph of a child on March 2 at Sheffiel Crown Court.

On Monday (July 6), he received a suspended prison sentence of one year and four months.

McNeil was also placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years and is subject to a five year sexual harm prevention order.

PC Egan-Wyer added: “This order places certain conditions on an offender. In this case, McNeil is not to use any apps capable of deleting conversations, he is also prevented from being in the company of, or seeking the company of, any woman or girl under 18 unless supervised.

“If any of these conditions are breached it can result in up to a five-year prison sentence and or a fine.”

He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £140.

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