A sick predator from Milton Keynes has been locked up for 14 years after a chilling police crackdown exposed his online grooming spree targeting teenage girls nationwide. Gareth Viccars, 47, admitted multiple sexual offences against youngsters across the UK and was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court.
How Viccars Targeted Young Girls on Snapchat
Viccars preyed on vulnerable teens by hunting them down on Snapchat, using the ‘mutual friends’ feature to gain their trust. He often pretended to be a teacher or someone trustworthy before grooming and abusing them.
- First contacted his youngest victim in November 2021, when she was just 15
- Lured her to Romford, Essex, then sexually assaulted her
- Manipulated victims with fake relationship claims
- Crimes spanned years and locations including Huntingdon and Northamptonshire
Police Warn Hundreds More May Have Been Targeted
Detective Chief Inspector Ross Morrell slammed Viccars’ “shocking” crimes and called for more victims to come forward. Alongside his 14-year jail term, Viccars was handed a lifetime spot on the sex offenders’ register.
“We believe there may be hundreds of further victims who have not yet reported to the police,” said DCI Morrell. “Any further victims deserve specialist support from the police and independent charities.”
Detective Constable Lewis Whitlock added: “Every girl deserves to feel safe. If you recognise Viccars’ methods or think you or your child might be a victim, please call 101 or report online.”
Support Offered as Police Launch National Hunt
The Met Police emphasise the appeal is nationwide—not just London. Despite Viccars using fake profiles and switching social media accounts, his grooming tactics remain clear to detectives.
All survivors in the case are receiving support. Police urge anyone affected to step forward for justice.
Charges Laid Against Gareth Viccars
- Engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child
- Repeated sexual activity with children (multiple counts)
- Sexual communication with a child
- Meeting a child following sexual grooming
- Causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity
For more on the Met’s work to tackle violence against women and girls, visit their VAWG Action Plan.
