Is this illegal? ( TW about photos of a teen).

[Isitillegalpleaseandthankyou]

Just double checking here.

32 year old man, starts dating a 17 year old girl.

They are doing the same training for a job and both starting at the same level so no boss/apprentice dynamic.

He has told her to tell nobody about this, but he is telling all his friends about it and showing off. Everyone thinks it's weird.

This is all creepy as hell, but, so far, not illegal.

He has also told his friends he has several explicit photos of her. I don't know if she sent these or if he took them (or even if they are real it's just what he is saying)

Am I right in saying that it's illegal to have explicit photos of a 17 year old? You need to be 18 for that, even in a consenting relationship? I am getting some conflicting information online (mainly because she consented afaik).

Would this be taken seriously if reported?

TIA

It’s vile but legal for them to be in a relationship. Legal for them
to share photos which other. But not legal for anyone to share sexual photos without permission. That’s my take

God you are right OP
In the UK, it is illegal to send, receive, or possess explicit images of anyone under the age of 18. This includes selfies.

Explanation
The law is contained in the Protection of Children Act 1978.

The law applies even if the content was created with the consent of the young person.

The law applies to all communication that relates to sexual activity, including text messages, email, and chatrooms.

Yes, taking photos of a child or someone under 18, is illegal. You could tell both their employers and the police.

Thank you.

I was pretty sure it was illegal even with her consent, but just wanted to be sure.

I'm not even 100% sure that it has happened, but he is telling anyone who will listen that he is in possession of photos of her and it has made me sick to my stomach honestly.

I'll report to the police first thing tomorrow.

Not sure how seriously they will take it, but I can't sit and do nothing.

And the employer too?

Not sure I’d be wanting this in my company/setting. Sounds rather as if she’s a sexual conquest and he’s got the proof. He may also operate like this with the young “newbies”. Big, big ick.

My plan is to go to the station tomorrow and report, and ask their advice in reporting to the the employer, just in case they don't want me to yet if they need to investigate first or however it works. If they say its fine I'll report to the employer tomorrow as well, if not I'll leave it and see what the outcome of the investigation is.

I initially thought it was embarrassment that made him stop her telling anyone about this relationship, but it makes me wonder if there are more of these girls he's 'dating'.

The job is your typical school leaver position, he is really quite old to be starting where he is so he is surrounded by teenagers all day.

It's absolutely sickening.

Ah, good thought!

Yes, it has that vibe about it.

Wrong. I can’t get my head around this law either. But it’s legal to have sex with a 16yo. But illegal to possess a nude image of them.

He doesn't want anyone told because he knows concerned people would try to talk the girl out of it if they knew, and also because concerned parties would likely beat him to a pulp if they knew how he was boasting/ threatening about the photos.

This sounds like a man who is highly manipulative, highly practiced in manipulation, and highly dangerous, OP. His bragging about the photos is a way of pressuring the girl to do anything he wants her to do - the threat of showing the photos is implied.

She is very likely not the first teenager he has targeted, groomed, blackmailed, and exploited.

Can you do a Claire's Law search of his name?

I don't think I would be able to do a Clares law check on him as I'm not directly involved.

I called the non emergency police and have reported the situation now, they advised me not to tell their work, but have taken my details to give a proper statement if needed. Not sure what will happen now, but hopefully this young girl will be protected from this man. Sick bastard.

Thank you all.