Oldbury man jailed for 17 years after 'coercing young girls into sending indecent images'

Oldbury man jailed for 17 years after 'coercing young girls into sending indecent images' A court heard Arun Wilding contacted several girls on social media and blackmailed them Author: Amber Roderick Published 55 minutes ago Last updated 36 minutes ago An Oldbury man has been jailed for more than 17 years after coercing young girls into sending indecent images. A court heard Arun Wilding contacted several girls, all under 16 years of age, on social media and blackmailed them into sending indecent images. Police say his offending started in December 2024 and lasted until December 2025. West Midlands Police said: "The 22-year-old would like and comment on girls' social media posts before messaging them privately. The conversation would then move to another social media platform where he would ask the girls to send images of themselves. "If they stopped responding to him, he harassed and blackmailed them, threatening to share their images online until further images were provided. "Wilding found out which area or school the girls attended to frighten them into complying with his requests." Earlier this year, Wilding of Highbury Road, Oldbury was charged with 16 offences including blackmail, engaging in sexual communication with a child, threatening to share a photograph of a person in an intimate state and causing a girl to engage in sexual activity. He pleaded guilty to all offences at earlier hearing and on 1 September, at Wolverhampton Crown Court, he was sentenced to 17 years and nine months in prison. He has also been handed a sexual harm prevention order which restricts his behaviour. Arun Wilding DC Elle Willows, from the West Midlands Police Public Protection Unit, said: 'Wilding's behaviour was predatory and he exploited young people for his own gratification. 'I hope that this sentence brings some closure for all of those affected by Wilding's actions, and that they can move forward with their lives. "If you are worried for the safety or wellbeing of child, please call 101 or call 999 in an emergency. "Alternatively, contact the NSPCC to speak to a professional practitioner or contact the children's social care team at your local council. "Even if you're not 100 per cent sure, please report your concerns. Your information could help our trained officer and staff protect the child. First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.