Goodness Sokoh, a 31‑year‑old Nigerian living in Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, was sentenced to 21 years in prison after being convicted of grooming and sexually abusing four teenage girls he contacted through the Snapchat app between 31 October and 17 December 2025. The sentencing took place at Amersham Law Court, where Judge Catherine Tulk emphasized that Sokoh had deliberately built trust to exploit the victims’ vulnerability.
**Key facts**
- The offences occurred after Sokoh offered the girls free vapes and cannabis via Snapchat under the username “GWDY_SXNGS”.
- He met the victims in Pitstone, Buckinghamshire, and committed a series of sexual crimes, including rape and sexual assault by penetration.
- The court recorded one count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and two counts of causing a child to watch a sexual act.
- Judge Tulk noted, “You thought you could do with them whatever you wanted. Not one of them wanted to have any sexual activity with you.”
**What were the charges?**
Sokoh was found guilty of three counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, two counts of sexual assault by penetration, two counts of causing a child to watch a sexual act, and one count of inciting a child into a sexual activity. The judge described his conduct as “clear evidence of grooming” and ordered his placement on the sexual offender register, a lifetime restraining order protecting the four girls, and eligibility for parole after serving two‑thirds of the term.
**How did the victims describe the impact?**
One victim, speaking through a victim‑impact statement, disclosed that she had self‑harmed, stopped attending school, suffered insomnia and no longer felt safe. Another girl’s mother recounted her daughter’s suicide attempt, ongoing anxiety, and loss of her previously bubbly demeanor. A third mother described her child’s relentless nightmares, chronic insomnia, and the stigma she faced after being groomed.
**What did the police say?**
Thames Valley Police, leading the investigation, said they remain open to the possibility of additional victims and urged anyone with information to come forward. Investigating officer Det Con Natalie Palmer of the Child Abuse Investigation Unit praised the victims for their “strength, courage and resilience” throughout the lengthy inquiry, adding that the force is committed to combating violence against women and girls. She also reminded the public that offences can be reported anonymously via Crimestoppers.
Sokoh was arrested on 17 December 2025 and charged two days later. He will serve two‑thirds of his sentence before parole eligibility, remain on the sexual offender register for life, and be subject to a permanent restraining order protecting the four girls.