Judge hands lengthy sentence after grooming through Snapchat
A man who used the social media platform Snapchat to contact teenage girls and then raped and sexually assaulted them after meeting in a village near Aylesbury has been jailed for 21 years.
The defendant, identified in court as Goodness Sokoh, 35, of North Street, Leighton Buzzard, was convicted at Amersham Law Court of multiple serious sexual offences committed between 31 October and 17 December 2025. The charges of which he was found guilty include:
- three counts of rape
- two counts of sexual assault
- two counts of sexual assault by penetration
- two counts of causing a child to watch a sexual act
- one count of inciting a child into sexual activity
Following conviction, Sokoh was placed on the Sexual Offenders Register for life and made subject to a restraining order preventing contact with all his victims.
How the offences were carried out
Prosecutors outlined that Sokoh had communicated with the teenage victims via Snapchat, using the handle 'GWDY_SXNGS'. He is said to have met the girls in the village of Pitstone, where he falsely promised them free vapes and cannabis before committing the assaults.
The details were heard during the sentencing hearing at Amersham Law Court. The conviction and consequent sentence reflect the severity of the offending and the vulnerability of the victims involved.
Police reaction and support for victims
"Throughout the process, the girls demonstrated incredible bravery. Despite everything they had experienced, they remained committed to helping the investigation and seeking justice."
The words above were spoken by Detective Constable Natalie Palmer from Thames Valley Police’s child abuse investigation unit. In comments to the press she commended the victims for their "strength, courage and resilience," and highlighted the importance of family support during the investigation and court process.
Thames Valley Police said the families, and particularly the victims’ mothers, had provided crucial support. Officers working on the investigation thanked those who came forward to assist and reiterated the force’s commitment to pursuing perpetrators of child sexual abuse.
Local implications and safeguarding
The case emphasises continuing concerns about how social media can be used to target and groom young people in the Aylesbury Vale area and beyond. It also underlines the role of local policing and safeguarding services in responding to reports of child exploitation.
Local agencies and schools are likely to use the conviction to remind parents and young people about online safety, responsible use of apps, and the risks of meeting strangers who promise substances or other incentives.
Reporting and community advice
Thames Valley Police encourages anyone with information about online grooming, suspicious contact with children, or related matters to come forward. Residents can:
- Report concerns to Thames Valley Police via the non-emergency 101 number
- Contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
- Speak to local safeguarding teams or school pastoral staff for advice and support
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Goodness Sokoh, 35, of Leighton Buzzard |
| Convictions | 3 rape; 2 sexual assault; 2 sexual assault by penetration; 2 causing a child to watch a sexual act; 1 inciting a child |
| Sentence | 21 years imprisonment; lifetime registration as a sex offender; restraining order |
| Court | Amersham Law Court |
The sentence will provide some reassurance to families in the area, though agencies acknowledge that convictions do not erase the trauma experienced by victims. Local police and support services continue to urge vigilance around young people’s use of social media and to promote open conversations between parents and children about safety online.
