Oldham man jailed for threatening children to send indecent images

A 37-year-old Oldham man has been jailed for seven years and four months after threatening children across Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and Buckinghamshire into sending him indecent images. Ryan Greenhow targeted six victims aged between 12 and 15 through social media platforms including WhatsApp, TikTok, and Snapchat between November 2024 and March 2025.

Greenhow's method was calculated and manipulative. He would send victims indecent images obtained from the internet, falsely claiming they depicted the children themselves. He then threatened to share these images with their friends and family unless they complied with his demands for more explicit material.

The threats were relentless. Messages included 'This is your last chance, everyone will know this is you' and 'I have seen your nudes, add me'. Even when victims denied knowing what he was talking about, Greenhow continued his campaign of intimidation, telling them it was their 'last chance'.

Some victims eventually sent images to Greenhow before reporting his activity to parents, carers, and teachers. Police launched an investigation that identified further victims through detailed phone analysis. Officers worked to safeguard those affected from any further harm.

Detective Constable Adair from Greater Manchester Police's City of Manchester Division praised the victims for coming forward. 'This sentencing is part of our wider work to tackle child sexual exploitation and we're committed to protecting victims and bringing offenders to justice,' he said. Greenhow pleaded guilty to 22 counts of non-contact child sex offences at Manchester Crown Court on February 24, 2026.