David Chellapah, 31, from Ealing in west London, has been jailed for 10 years after grooming children aged between 12 and 15 on social media platforms.
The Metropolitan Police arrested Chellapah in October 2025 as he attempted to meet a child for sexual abuse. The arrest came following a swift police operation that prevented further offences.
During the investigation, it was revealed that Chellapah targeted vulnerable children online, sending them sexual messages and pressuring them to create explicit images and videos. Police found multiple victims and discovered a large collection of indecent images on devices seized from his home.
Metropolitan officers intercepted Chellapah before he could meet a child in person, with his arrest taking place on October 17, 2025. This fast response played a crucial role in stopping further abuse.
In February, Chellapah pleaded guilty to 21 offences, including sexual communication with children, attempted meeting following grooming, incitement to sexual activity, and possession of indecent images. He was sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court.
Detective Constable Alan Stepkowski-Fellows praised the police efforts to protect victims, noting the use of trauma-informed approaches and strong digital evidence that prevented victims from having to attend court. The Metropolitan Police remain committed to safeguarding children and prosecuting offenders.
Originally published by UKNIP.
