A “predatory” paedophile used Snapchat to incite young girls to carry out sexual acts.
Michael Farney, 51 and of Michael Crescent Malvern, has been jailed for 24 sexual offences against children, with his youngest victim being just six years old.
Police said Farney used the image-sharing social media platform to share indecent images and videos of himself, before convincing them to carry out sexual acts themselves.
He would then record videos of these interactions on Snapchat, to watch at a later date.
40 indecent images of children were found on his phone, including six category A images, which are the worst kind.
READ MORE: Paedophile jailed after admitting 24 sexual offences against children as young as six
Officers from West Mercia Police’s Online Child Sexual Exploitation Team (OCSET) became aware of Farney in March 2026 after his online account was linked to online communications with a 14-year-old online.
He was rearrested in April after checks of his phone uncovered hundreds of online conversations and video calls with young girls.
Last month, he entered guilty pleas to all 24 charges at Worcester Crown Court.
On Thursday, he appeared in court again, where he was sentences to nine years and 4 months.
He was sentenced for each offence separately, with sentences ranging from 2 years to nine years and 4 months, but they will all run concurrently.
Farney was ordered to sign the Sex Offenders Register for life, and is subject to a lifelong sexual harm prevention order, which means he is not allowed to work with children.
His devices will be seized and he will have to pay a £228 surcharge.
Detective Constable William Thomas said: “Farney’s predatory behaviour caused harm to a large number of child victims, but we were able to act swiftly and build an investigation which has put him in jail, where he can cause no further harm.
“Every day we are working relentlessly to pursue those who harm children. Often this work goes on unseen but please be assured we are stopping offenders in their tracks, and most importantly protecting the most vulnerable.
“It’s vital we all play our part in keeping children safe.
“Make sure you understand the platforms your children are using, and create an environment where children feel comfortable talking and raising concerns.
“Early intervention and open communication remain some of the most effective tools in preventing online exploitation.”
