Sark man jailed for trying to meet and sexually abuse children

Thursday, 26 June 2025 at 07:18

A man living in Sark has been jailed for 12 years for multiple sexual offences against children, including travelling to try and meet and abuse them.

Benjamin Solowan (40) was convicted of 12 crimes in total.

Last December, detectives travelled to Sark to arrest Solowan on suspicion of attempted sexual communication with a child.

Officers searched his property and seized electronic devices.

Solowan was taken to Guernsey, charged and remanded in custody.

Investigators got into his encrypted files and found indecent images of children and evidence of explicit online exchanges with children - or people he believed were under 16.

Last October Solowan had travelled to the UK intending to meet a 12 year old girl, and a month later he booked flights to Manchester to meet who he thought was 14 year old girl that he had been messaging. This was, in fact, a man living in Belgium.

During those conversations, Solowan discussed plans to meet other girls, resulting in four further charges.

Police say this was a 'complex investigation'.

"Our priority is keeping our community safe, and by taking this swift action we have prevented potential harm to vulnerable individuals.

"We remain committed to relentlessly pursue those who seek to exploit young people in our community, including online threats, and work tirelessly to secure convictions."

Support and advice is available via the Multi Agency Support Hub (MASH) on 01481 223182.

Anyone concerned about internet and social media safety can contact the Digital Safety and Development Officer on 01481 222 222.