Elijah Palmer

Elijah Palmer, an 18-year-old from Sheffield, UK, has been sentenced to nearly five years in prison for a series of online abuse offenses, including encouraging self-harm and possessing indecent images. His case is notable as it marks the first time a juvenile in the UK has been sentenced for coercing someone to self-harm via online chatrooms, utilizing new provisions of the Online Safety Act 2023.

Key Facts and Timeline:

• Offenses Committed: While 17 years old, Palmer used the username 'slitted' on platforms like Discord and Roblox to manipulate a vulnerable young girl. He blackmailed her into self-harming, sending indecent images, and performing degrading acts. He also threatened to create a fake bomb threat at a school using the victim's email address if she did not comply.
• Arrest: Palmer was arrested by South Yorkshire Police on June 30, 2025, after the victim reported him.
• Breach of Bail: He was later charged with perverting the course of justice for breaching his bail conditions by attempting to contact the victim to retract her statement.
• Guilty Plea: Palmer pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including:
• Encouraging or assisting serious self-harm (under Section 184 of the Online Safety Act).
• Causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent.
• Making and possessing indecent photographs of children.
• Possessing an extreme pornographic image.
• Perverting the course of justice.
• Court Appearance and Sentencing: Palmer was sentenced at Sheffield Crown Court on June 18, 2026. His Honour Judge Hampton presided over the case.
• Sentence: He received a sentence of four years and nine months in prison, along with a four-year extended license period. Additionally, a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and an indefinite Restraining Order were imposed.

Palmer was linked to the "764" group, an online sextortion and sadomasochistic network that targets vulnerable individuals.