A Glasgow man has been jailed for 10 years after abducting and raping a 14‑year‑old girl he groomed online, in a case described by the sentencing judge as “totally and utterly unacceptable”.

Scott Ijomanta, 38, targeted the child on social media in August 2024, posing as a 12‑year‑old boy to gain her trust. At the time of the attack, he was already on bail for attempting to lure two other children he had groomed online to his home.

After persuading the girl to travel to his flat in Maryhill, he offered to pay for her taxi and provided his address. Once she entered the property, he locked the door and kept the key on him, preventing her from leaving.

At the High Court in Glasgow, Ijomanta was convicted of:

• Abduction
• Assault
• Rape
• Sending sexual communications to a child

He will also be subject to four years of post‑release monitoring, placed on the sex offenders register, and banned indefinitely from contacting his victims.

The court heard that the victim had disclosed her age to Ijomanta during their conversations on Snapchat. Despite this, he continued to groom her, using a false name and pretending to be significantly younger.

When she arrived at the flat, he offered her chocolate and a drink believed to contain alcohol. The atmosphere changed when he falsely accused her of stealing his belongings, before launching into a violent and sustained attack.

The girl described how he threatened her, telling her, “I am going to rape you. I am sorry for the things that I am going to make you do.”

He also lied that he had cancer and claimed she could report him because he “did not have long to live anyway”.

The court also heard that in 2023, Ijomanta had groomed two other children online, using the name “Hunter” on Snapchat and TikTok. He demanded explicit images and made sexual comments to a 12‑year‑old girl and her 13‑year‑old friend.

He later booked train tickets for the pair to travel to Glasgow, but police intervened before they boarded after the children were reported missing.

Ijomanta denied all charges, claiming he had been misled about the girls’ ages. The jury rejected his account.

Sentencing him, Judge Tom Hughes condemned the offences as “totally and utterly unacceptable” and said such behaviour “could never be tolerated”.

Grooming on the Rise - and What Parents Can Do

Reports of online grooming continue to rise across the UK, with police forces warning that offenders are increasingly using social media, gaming platforms and encrypted messaging apps to target children. Many perpetrators, like Ijomanta, hide behind false identities and exploit the anonymity these platforms provide. For parents and carers who are worried about a child, early action is key. This may include having calm, open conversations about who the child is speaking to online, monitoring sudden changes in behaviour, and seeking advice from safeguarding professionals if something feels wrong.

If a parent believes a child is at immediate risk, they should contact the police straight away. Where concerns relate to past or ongoing exploitation, our specialist legal team at Switalskis can help families understand their options and access the support they need.

How can Switalskis help?

Every survivor deserves a pathway to justice. That includes criminal accountability where possible, but also the right to pursue compensation for the significant harm suffered. 

At Switalskis, our specialist abuse lawyers have decades of experience securing justice for survivors of child sexual exploitation. We understand the emotional and legal complexities of these cases and work tirelessly to ensure our clients receive the compensation they deserve.

If you have been impacted and would like to discuss your experience in confidence, our specialist abuse team can help. Call 0808 258 8041 or email help@switalskis.com.