Somerset pervert begged girl, 12, for naked pictures on Instagram.

Somerset Man Jailed for Underage Sexual Activity

Zach Peploe, 21, from Highbridge, Somerset, has been sentenced to three years and ten months in prison for engaging in sexual activity with underage girls. The court heard that Peploe, who was aged 17, 18 and 19 at the time of the offenses, targeted five girls between the ages of 12 and 14.

Peploe used social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat to contact the girls. He sent them sexually explicit videos and messages, often telling them they were beautiful and that he loved them. He then proceeded to have sexual encounters with them at his home or in his car.

The court heard that Peploe's victims were all deeply affected by the abuse. They reported experiencing flashbacks, anxiety, and difficulty trusting men. One victim self-harmed, and another attempted to overdose as a result of the trauma they endured.

Peploe pleaded guilty to nine offenses against five victims, including engaging in sexual activity with a child and causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity. Some of the offenses included groping a 14-year-old's breasts while she slept in his car and sending a 12-year-old videos of himself masturbating.

Despite being released under police investigation, Peploe continued to offend. He targeted two more girls, engaging in sexual activity with a 14-year-old and a 13-year-old. He was found to have been contacting hundreds of girls on Facebook every month.

In his defense, Peploe's lawyer argued that he was a vulnerable young man with a borderline personality disorder and a difficult background. He had been making progress since his arrest.

The judge, Paul Cook, imposed restraining orders prohibiting Peploe from contacting the victims and issued a 10-year sexual offences behaviour order to manage his risk upon release. Peploe must also register as a sex offender indefinitely.