Man jailed after grooming girl he met on Roblox
Man Jailed for Grooming Girl Met on Roblox
A 19-year-old man, Carlo Tritta, has received a 28-month sentence after admitting to grooming a 14-year-old girl he encountered on the gaming platform Roblox. The incident came to light when the girl’s mother discovered a message on her daughter’s phone in August 2025, prompting a police investigation. Tritta, from Eastleigh, Hampshire, initially engaged the teenager in a game 11 months prior, but their interaction soon shifted to more intimate exchanges.
Tritta encouraged the victim to share explicit photographs and eventually convinced her to watch a sexual act. He also confessed to sending indecent images of a child, engaging in sexual communications with a minor, and causing her emotional distress. His behavior escalated further when he ignored police conditions, traveling twice from Hampshire to the girl’s home to confront her and attempt to sway the case. During these visits, he damaged the doorbell camera and even sent her threatening cards.
“The young girl in this case believed she was in a loving relationship, but it was built on coercion, control, and abuse,” said Det Supt Rod Kenny of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary. “His primary goal was to obtain indecent images of her, using flattery and gifts to manipulate her.”
During his police interview, Tritta acknowledged that he was aware of the legal implications once under investigation. The girl described feeling “trapped and upset,” with fears of “going downstairs at night” due to Tritta’s presence. Her mother added that the family had become “constantly on edge,” with their home no longer feeling like a safe place. She noted her daughter now experiences “fear and anxiety” and attends therapy for the stress.
Roblox’s Response to the Case
A representative for Roblox expressed sadness over the incident, stating the platform had introduced updated age checks in January to restrict communication to users of similar ages or known contacts. They emphasized that their policies “firmly prohibit child exploitation” and that safety systems are in place to monitor image sharing and limit chats for younger users. The spokesperson acknowledged the need for continuous improvement, adding that the team collaborates with law enforcement to support investigations.
Karina Lyon of the Crown Prosecution Service described Tritta as a “sexual predator” who also breached court orders by visiting the girl’s residence and damaging property. “He tried to interfere with witnesses and spread fear within the victim’s family,” she said. The case highlights the challenges of online interactions, particularly when users may not fully understand the risks until legal action is taken.
