William Howarth, a registered sex offender, has been jailed for nine years and eight months after pleading guilty to 35 offences involving the online grooming and abuse of girls under the age of 16.
The 23-year-old was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court on Thursday 13 November 2025. He will serve an extended sentence of 15 years and eight months, including a further six years on licence.
The investigation began in 2023 after Howarth was found with an unregistered mobile phone during a home visit by his offender manager. As part of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), he was required to declare and hand over all digital devices.
The device was seized and examined by Greater Manchester Police’s Sex Offender Crime Investigation Team. Officers uncovered sexually explicit messages sent to several underage girls. These included demands for indecent images and threats to share them if the victims did not comply.
Some victims described being harassed through multiple fake social media accounts after blocking him. One girl said she was called “fat” and a “whore”. Another was told by Howarth, “It sounds wrong but honestly don’t want to leave you. I’d rather risk it with you,” after he revealed his real age.
In court, Howarth admitted 35 offences, including:
- 11 breaches of his SHPO
- Possession, making and distribution of indecent images of children across categories A to C
- Sexual communication with a child
- Inciting sexual activity with children aged 13 to 15
- Threats to share intimate images
Detective Constable Joshua Cresswell said: “Howarth is a disgraceful predator. He used fake accounts and threats to manipulate young girls into sending explicit images. The courage shown by the victims in coming forward was vital to securing this conviction.”
GMP has urged any victims of child sexual abuse to report it, no matter how long ago it occurred. Reports can be made via 101 or anonymously to Crimestoppers.
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