A brave mum’s instincts saved her daughter from a chilling encounter with a shopworker who groomed her online. Prasad Saravanan, a shop employee, has been sentenced to 31 months behind bars after being caught manipulating a 13-year-old girl. The Swansea Crown Court heard how this man built up communication with the young girl across platforms like Snapchat and WhatsApp, ultimately arranging a meet-up for sinister intentions.
Everything changed when the girl’s mother stumbled upon their WhatsApp chats. Her quick thinking led her to intervene, posing as her daughter’s friend to uncover the truth. Upon learning about a planned meeting, she swiftly informed the police. They acted quickly, arresting Saravanan before the young girl arrived at the meeting point.
In the court, the girl’s mum described her daughter as a ‘kind and trusting’ child who was cruelly manipulated. Judge Catherine Richards condemned Saravanan’s actions, stating he had “groomed and manipulated” the young girl. Saravanan pled guilty to his charges and will serve 40% of his sentence in custody before being released on licence. He is set to be deported back to India after serving his time, losing his right to stay in the UK.
This case highlights the importance of parental monitoring and open communication in safeguarding children from online predators. If you are affected by similar issues, several organisations offer support, including Lifecentre and The Survivors Trust, which provide counselling and advocacy services. Stay safe and vigilant—our children’s safety depends on it.