Sex offender who groomed child on Snapchat jailed

A man has been jailed after pleading guilty to sexual activity with a teenage girl.

Jason Squibb, 25, formerly of Westfield Road, Yeovil, used social media platform Snapchat to message his victim, grooming her with the promise of buying her alcohol, a court heard.

Squibb intentionally engaged in sexual activity with the victim, who he knew was not over the legal age of 16, in October 2021.

Speaking after the sentencing, the victim's mother said her daughter's life had "changed forever" as a result of the assault, adding that she had since lived with "profound trauma".

"However, this sentencing is not about him, it is about the power of finding one's voice," she continued.

"Even at her young age, she understands that other girls have endured the same pain and carried the same unnecessary shame.

"Her message to them is clear: You do not have to live in silence."

Squibb was jailed for two years and eight months, as well as ordered to register as a sex offender, at Taunton Crown Court on 30 January.

The victim's mother continued: "Sometimes, bad things happen to good people, but those moments do not define who you are. You deserve to be heard, and you deserve justice."

Officer in the case, Det Con Elisabeth Dane from Avon and Somerset Police's Internet Child Abuse Team (ICAT), said the "bravery and courage" shown by the victim and her family had led to a "dangerous man" being jailed and "no longer a risk to other girls".

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