Carlo Tritta, 19, started speaking to the 14-year-old in September two years ago before moving to other platforms, convincing her they were in a relationship.
Tritta, of West Drive in Bishopstoke, sent her gifts, takeaways and constantly called and messaged her before her mum found out and told police leading to his arrest in August last year.
Despite being bailed Tritta contacted the girl’s friends through social media, called and texted the girl multiple times and even sent her two cards via online card seller Moonpig, trying to encourage her to drop the case.
Moonpig Cards sent by Carlo Tritta to the victim (Image: Hampshire Constabulary)
Tritta even reported the girl’s mother to child services and attempted to get the investigating officer removed from the case.
He then travelled to the girl’s home address in Manchester on September 5 and let himself into her house through the back door. He convinced the girl to go to a pub with him, which she did just to try and get him away from the house.
IT was only the next morning the girl’s mum spotted Tritta hiding behind a garage as she went to put out the bins. She called police after confronting him.
He was arrested and charged with perverting the course of justice, which he admitted in court, and was handed a 12-month suspended sentence on December 11.
Three days later, he again travelled to Manchester and entered the girl’s home, confronting the girl and her mother and damaged a CCTV camera.
Moonpig Cards sent by Carlo Tritta to the victim (Image: Hampshire Constabulary)
He was arrested and charged with two charges of intimidating a witness and criminal damage.
Police then charged him with three offences of making indecent images of a child, engaging in sexual communications with a child, and causing a child aged 13-15 to watch/look at a sexual image. This related to images found on his phone.
Tritta appeared at Stockport Magistrates’ Court on December 16, where he pleaded guilty to all charges, and was remanded in custody for sentencing at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on April 9.
He has been jailed for 28 months.
DC Jodi Bartlett, who investigated the case, said: “Tritta’s behaviour lays bare the terrifying realities of how criminals use the online world to target and harm vulnerable people. Do you truly know who you, or your child, is speaking to online?
“The victim in this case was just 14-years-old. She and her mother were subjected to a campaign of fear and abuse at the hands of obsessive and predatory Tritta.
“Gaming platforms should be spaces where people, especially children, are safe. The anonymity of the internet allows dangerous individuals like Tritta to prey on others for their own twisted gain, and the lengths that Tritta went to in order to maintain his abuse of this young girl is shocking.
“The girl and her mother are both to be commended for their bravery which has now resulted in Tritta being put in prison.
“I would encourage parents to talk openly with their children about how they use the internet, and if you have any concerns, trust your instincts and report these to police.”
The Crown Prosecution Service said Tritta’s actions were “deeply troubling”.
Karina Lyon, for the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “Carlo Tritta preyed on the young teenager and encouraged her to engage in sexual communication and to share intimate images and videos.
“His actions, for his own sexual gratification, have caused fear and anxiety for the young victim and her family.
“Not only is Tritta a sexual predator, but he has also exhibited deeply troubling behaviour by attending the girl’s address in breach of his bail and a court order, damaging property and trying to interfere with witnesses.
“The victim and her family were left feeling unsafe in their own home.
“I hope today’s outcome sends a clear message that the Crown Prosecution Service is determined to bring those who exploit children to justice.”
