Man jailed after grooming girl he met on Roblox
Man jailed after grooming girl he met on Roblox
28-Month Sentence for Online Predation
A 19-year-old man named Carlo Tritta has been sentenced to 28 months in prison for grooming a 14-year-old girl he connected with on Roblox. The teenager, from Greater Manchester, initially claimed to be 15 but later confirmed her age as 14 in December 2024. Tritta, based in Eastleigh, Hampshire, admitted to creating indecent images of a child, engaging in sexual communications, and compelling the girl into viewing a sexual act. He also faced charges of intimidating a witness and causing damage after visiting her home twice during his bail period.
How the Grooming Began
Tritta and the victim first interacted while playing a game on Roblox 11 months prior. The platform, which hosts over 40 million user-generated games, initially served as a space for casual conversation. However, as their exchanges progressed, Tritta shifted the dialogue to private messaging apps like WhatsApp and Snapchat, where he expressed affection. He also sent her takeaway meals and a secret phone, reinforcing a sense of closeness. Over time, the messages turned increasingly explicit, leaving the girl feeling trapped and anxious.
Victim’s Testimony
“I felt trapped and upset. I was scared of going downstairs at night because I thought he would be there,” the girl stated in court. Her mother added that the family “were constantly on edge at home, which no longer feels like a safe space.” The mother described how her daughter now lives with fear and anxiety, requiring therapy to cope with the emotional toll.
Prosecution’s Claims
Karina Lyon of the Crown Prosecution Service highlighted Tritta’s predatory behavior, noting that his actions were driven by sexual gratification. “He not only targeted the girl but also violated court orders by visiting her home, damaging property, and attempting to undermine witnesses,” she said. Det Supt Rod Kenny emphasized that the relationship was built on coercion, control, and abuse, with Tritta using flattery and gifts to manipulate the victim.
Roblox’s Role and Safeguards
A Roblox spokesperson expressed concern over the case, acknowledging the platform’s efforts to enhance safety. They noted that age checks were introduced in January to “reduce communication with users of different ages or those unfamiliar with each other.” While praising their policies and safety systems, they admitted no system is foolproof. The incident underscores the need for ongoing improvements to protect young users from online exploitation.
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