**Loughborough Man Admits Urging Vulnerable Woman to Commit Suicide in Landmark Online Harm Case**
A 22-year-old man from Loughborough has pleaded guilty to urging a vulnerable woman, whom he met on the internet, to attempt to take her own life and seriously harm herself. The case, which was heard at Leicester Crown Court on Friday, has marked a significant moment in the legal landscape, as Tyler Webb became the first individual to be prosecuted in Britain under new legislation targeting online encouragement of serious self-harm.
Appearing at the hearing via video link from a mental health facility, Webb admitted to one charge of encouraging suicide and a further count related to inciting or assisting an individual to carry out serious self-harm. Throughout the 15-minute session, he appeared visibly distressed, his head resting on the table, and was supported by members of his family. Midway through the proceedings, Webb left the room abruptly and did not return for the conclusion of the hearing.
While the full details of Webb’s actions were not laid out in open court, information released by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) shed light on the seriousness of the offence. Prosecutors stated that Webb connected with his victim on Telegram, a messaging and video call app, where he persistently urged the woman—whose identity is protected—to hurt herself and, ultimately, to end her life, all while he watched via video call.
According to the CPS, Webb’s manipulative conduct included telling the victim she had nothing to live for and offering explicit instructions on methods to end her life. On at least one occasion, after prompting from Webb, the woman harmed herself on a video call with him, later sending a photograph of her injury. These incidents did not lead to a fatality, but the psychological and physical harm inflicted upon the victim has raised alarm amongst mental health advocates and authorities alike.
Alex Johnson, a legal expert from the CPS’s Special Crime Division, commented on the case: “Tyler Webb targeted a vulnerable individual online and callously persisted in pressuring her to commit acts of self-harm and even to end her life. Fully aware of her fragile mental state, he nonetheless chose to disregard her wellbeing in favour of his demands. Thankfully, the outcome was not as tragic as it could have been.”
The investigation into Webb’s actions began after the woman, having endured a 44-minute coercive call on 2 July 2024 in which her refusal to act on Webb’s instructions prompted him to threaten ending contact, reported the matter to police. Officers from Leicestershire Police arrested Webb at his King Street address soon after the report was filed.
Further analysis of Webb’s online interactions revealed that he had originally encountered his victim on a mental health forum, underscoring the vulnerabilities of online spaces meant to provide support to those struggling with mental health issues. Police searches also uncovered disturbing evidence, including an audio recording documenting Webb’s persistent coercion, along with digital images and drawings depicting graphic violence and suicide.
Underlining the severity and unusual nature of the crime, Judge Timothy Spencer KC ordered that Webb be produced in person for sentencing, scheduled for 4 July. The new charge of encouraging serious self-harm online arises from Section 184 of the Online Safety Act 2023, a recently introduced statute designed to clamp down on dangerous online conduct.
This prosecution highlights the evolving risks faced by users of online platforms and the urgent need for vigilance in supporting vulnerable individuals in digital environments. The impact on the victim, and the preventative role played by law enforcement, will likely be examined further when sentencing occurs.
For those experiencing distress or suicidal feelings, charities such as Samaritans provide anonymous support by phone or email, reinforcing the importance of accessible help for people in crisis. As digital communication increasingly forms part of everyday life, the case sends a clear message that the law is adapting to address harms that originate in the virtual world but have dire real-life consequences.