Ex-Teesside Uni Student Jailed for Nearly 14 Years Over Horrific Child Sex Crimes
A former Teesside University computer science student has been locked up for 13 years and nine months after admitting to 26 sickening sexual offences against children.
Ratnakar Singh, 25, an international student from India, faced Teesside Crown Court on 19 June. While studying for his master’s degree, he committed a string of vile crimes.
Disturbing Crimes Detailed
Singh pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including:
- 5 counts of sexual communication with a child
- 3 counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity
- 2 counts of causing a 13-15-year-old to engage in non-penetrative sexual activity
- 1 count of penetrative sexual activity with a child
- 1 count of arranging a child sexual offence
- 1 count of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity
- 6 counts of possessing indecent images of children
The offences spanned a lengthy period and were uncovered during a police crackdown on online child abuse.
Police Label Singh a ‘Dangerous Predator’
Detectives revealed Singh used social media and encrypted accounts to groom and exploit vulnerable youngsters. A trove of indecent images and explicit messages linked him directly to underage victims.
“This is a harrowing case involving the deliberate targeting of children for sexual gratification. Singh exploited his position as a student with technological knowledge to engage in calculated abuse,” said a police spokesperson.
Despite operating under multiple aliases and using encryption tools to avoid detection, digital forensics ultimately caught Singh and led to his arrest.
Harsh Sentence and Lifetime Safeguards
Singh received a hefty 13 years and 9 months behind bars. He will also:
- Remain on the Sex Offenders Register for life
- Be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO)
- Face automatic deportation once his sentence is served
“Your offences reflect a pattern of calculated, exploitative and deeply harmful behaviour. You pose a significant risk to children and the public,” the judge warned Singh.
University’s Zero Tolerance Stance
Teesside University responded to the shocking case:
“We are shocked by these revelations and are cooperating fully with the relevant authorities. We have zero tolerance for any form of abuse and are committed to safeguarding all members of our community.”
Police Appeal for Information
Authorities urge anyone with information about online child abuse to come forward. Contacts can be made anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
