Sex offender social media influencer targeted teenage girls

An aspiring social media influencer has been jailed after admitting to a series of sex offences against two teenage girls.

Reaquain Palmer came to police attention at the end of July last year when one of his victims confided in staff at her school about a sexual relationship.

The schoolgirl had known of Palmer from his viral Tik Tok account and was later introduced to him in person.

Palmer, then aged 23, invited her back to his flat and had sex with her on three different occasions.

When he was arrested a short time later, he denied ever having sexual contact with her but also made it clear he believed her to be at least 16 years old.

He also denied calling another schoolgirl and attempting to engage her in a sexual act over the phone.

Incriminating mobile phone messages, however, revealed he was well aware of the first girl’s true age but had still maintained his pursuit of her.

As the investigation continued Palmer then made a clear threat to one of his victims in a misguided bid to undermine the case against him.

He later pleaded guilty to three counts of engaging in sexual activity with a girl aged 13 to 15. He also admitted to engaging in sexual communications with a child and intimidating a witness.

Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday 26 July, Palmer, now aged 24, of Carlton Road, Nottingham, was jailed for three years and eight months.

He was also made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order which will tightly control his online activities and access to children in the future.

Detective Sergeant Julie Salisbury, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:

“Palmer was well known to a lot of girls in Nottingham thanks to his use of social media. It is clear that he made the most of this notoriety and enjoyed spending time with teenage girls.

“That is not illegal but sexually exploiting children is – as is threatening people in a bid to undermine the judicial process.

“Palmer knew that but still chose to pursue sexual relations with girls who knew to be under the age of consent.

“I am pleased he has now been held to account and hope this case serves as a warning to other young men about the potential consequences of this kind of behaviour.

“Nothing is more important to us than the safety and wellbeing of children and we will not hesitate to come after people who harm them in this way.”