Killer paedophile Gary Newman drove a wedge between Carly and her friends

FRIGHTENING new details have emerged about how internet killer Gary Newman stalked Adelaide teenager Carly Ryan.

FRIGHTENING new details have emerged about how internet killer Gary Newman stalked Adelaide teenager Carly Ryan.

One of Carly’s friends, Katie West, has spoken for the first time about 50-year-old Newman - who impersonated an 18-year-old guitar player called Brandon online - saying he tried to isolate Carly from her mates.

Carly Ryan was murdered in 2007 at the age of 15.

“He started making up rumours about her online and saying her friends had said things about her they hadn’t said,” Ms West said.

“He said all your friends are leaving you because they’re jealous of the relationship we have. “Carly probably thought Brandon was her only friend. He’d isolated her from everybody.”

Ms West describes the stalking technique in a new UK documentary series called Swipe Right For Murder that will screen on Channel 7 in the coming weeks.

The series of “real life love stories that ended in tragedy” features Adelaide as a safe, happy place where no one expected the horrific murder to happen.

In 2006 Carly met ‘Brandon Kane’ online - but he was really a 50-year-old predator called Gary Francis Newman who eventually lured her to Port Elliot before killing her.

She was 15. Carly’s mother Sonya has used the tragedy to boost awareness of internet safety and, more than a decade later, usher in “Carly’s Law”.

It is now illegal to lie about your age to a child online then try to meet that child.

Sonya Ryan ushered in Carly’s Law, making it illegal to lie about your age to a child online then try to meet them. Picture: Tait Schmaal

Ms Ryan told The Advertiser that predators often try to separate their prey from friends and family.

“(Victims) retreat into themselves; they don’t want to socialise. They become isolated from friends and don’t want to hang out like they normally did,” she said.

“(Parents) should pull their child aside and have open and honest communication with them... if parents are unsure how to find the words, contact us or a psychologist or a counsellor to get the tools to manage.

“But if they think their child is at any risk, contact the police. Listen to your gut.”

Swipe Right gives more insight into how Carly and her mother were duped by the impostor at a time when social media was only just becoming a large part of children’s lives.

Gary Newman also pretended to be Brandon’s stepfather and came to Adelaide to meet the family; after Ms Ryan caught him in Carly’s bed and made Carly cut off contact, he sent her abusive messages and said Carly would leave to move in with Brandon.

Predators will go to extreme lengths to manipulate children during the grooming process. That includes developing a controlling relationship. The Carly Ryan Foundation warns predators will drive a wedge between the child and his or her parents and friends.

For more information visit www.carlyryanfoundation.com. To report a predator call CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.