A 19-year-old man has been sentenced to 28 months in prison for grooming a 14-year-old girl he met on the popular gaming platform, Roblox. Carlo Tritta, who hails from Eastleigh in the UK, established an online relationship with the young girl, manipulating her to send sexually explicit images of herself.
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The case came to the attention of authorities in August 2025 after the girl’s mother discovered troubling messages on her daughter’s phone. In a statement from Hampshire Police, it was revealed that Tritta had initiated contact with the girl on Roblox before moving their conversations to other messaging services. The severity of his actions led to multiple charges, including making indecent images of a child, sexual communications with a minor, and intimidation of a witness.
Tritta’s behaviour had significant repercussions for the victim and her family, as highlighted by Detective Superintendent Rod Kenny from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary. He explained that the girl initially believed she was involved in a loving relationship, which was ultimately based on manipulation and control. This had a profound impact on her mental health, with the victim feeling trapped and fearful in her own home.
During the proceedings at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, Judge Kieran Rankin addressed Tritta, stating that it was evident he was aware of the girl’s age from the outset. The judge emphasised that Tritta’s conduct had detrimental effects on both the victim and her family, who have been left struggling with anxiety and fear.
Following the initial discovery of the messages, Tritta was arrested, but he repeatedly violated his bail conditions by travelling approximately 200 miles to the girl’s residence on two occasions. Reports indicate that he forcibly entered the home and confronted her directly, even damaging the doorbell camera. Additionally, he sent her cards pressuring her not to support the legal action against him and attempted to involve social services by making false accusations about her mother.
Tritta’s grooming process reportedly involved both flattery and the use of material gifts, aimed at eliciting intimate images from the young girl. He maintained control over her communications by urging her to switch from Roblox to platforms such as Snapchat and WhatsApp, where privacy and safety are often less stringent.
The emotional toll on the victim has been severe, as recounted in a statement read out during the court proceedings. The victim expressed feelings of entrapment and anxiety, stating she now experiences fear even within the confines of her own home. Her mother conveyed that the entire family has been living in a state of distress, illustrating how Tritta’s actions have disrupted their sense of safety and stability.
In response to this disturbing case, a spokesperson for Roblox expressed deep regret, highlighting their commitment to child safety and the prevention of exploitation on their platform. The company maintains strict policies against child abuse and collaborates closely with law enforcement to investigate such incidents.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that can arise in online interactions, particularly within gaming environments. There are ongoing discussions about the need for better safeguarding measures to protect minors from individuals who exploit digital platforms for predatory purposes.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by sexual abuse, support services are available, including crisis text lines that can connect individuals with qualified professionals ready to offer assistance.