A 35-year-old man from Derby has admitted to a further 144 online child sexual offences, bringing his total to 164, at Derby Crown Court on February 18, 2026. The outcome has prompted Derbyshire Constabulary to issue urgent safety warnings for families in Swadlincote and across South Derbyshire.
Siah Riley used a fake profile on social media to pose as a teenage boy and target children. Once he persuaded them to send indecent images, he used blackmail to force them to continue by threatening to share the pictures with others. These offences included 117 counts of inciting sexual activity and 22 counts of blackmail.
The Derbyshire Constabulary discovered the full scope of the crimes after seizing electronic devices during an investigation in 2023. While the initial arrest only concerned two victims, forensic analysis later revealed a huge catalogue of material involving more than 130 children in total. This discovery led to the 164 total charges the defendant has now admitted to in court.
Authorities are encouraging parents to monitor messaging apps like Snapchat and talk to their children about online safety. This includes checking for signs that a child is being pressured by someone they do not know in person or anyone posing as a peer. Support for those affected is being managed through the Derby and Derbyshire Safeguarding Children Partnership.
A judge warned that a life sentence is not out of the question for Riley given the extraordinary number of victims. He will return to court for his final sentence on May 7, 2026.
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