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Crime

Cardigan man avoids prison after online child sex sting

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A MAN from Cardigan who sent explicit videos to what he thought was a 14-year-old girl has been handed a suspended sentence at Swansea Crown Court.

The court heard Gavin Carter, of Felin Bach, struck up contact with a social media account called “Lilly” on June 26. Unbeknown to him, the profile was operated by a group dedicated to exposing adults seeking sexual contact with children.

Grooming attempts exposed

When Carter told Lilly he was 45, the account replied that she was 14. Despite this, he gave her his number and began speaking to her on WhatsApp.

Prosecutor Ian Wright said Carter quickly turned the conversation sexual. He said he wanted to join her in the bath and talked about kissing and intimate touching. That same day, Carter sent a video of himself masturbating.

Four days later, another video was sent, along with instructions that the “girl” should carry out a sexual act with a banana. Further sexual discussions followed before Carter broke off communication.

On July 12, members of the paedophile-hunter group went to his home. Police were called and he was arrested.

Admissions and guilty pleas

Carter told officers he did not have a sexual interest in children, but admitted sending the videos and requesting images despite knowing Lilly had said she was 14.

He later pleaded guilty to attempted sexual communication with a child, attempted incitement of a child to engage in sexual activity, and two counts of attempting to engage in sexual activity in the presence of a child.

Sentencing remarks

The court was told Carter had numerous previous convictions, mainly linked to alcohol misuse, but none of a sexual nature.

Defence barrister Dan Griffiths said his client had been living as “a recluse,” struggling with isolation and drinking heavily. He added that Carter recognised the seriousness of his behaviour, had ended the conversations himself before being confronted, and told police he was “disgusted” by his actions.

Recorder P. Lewis imposed a 20-month custodial sentence, suspended for two years. Carter must complete a six-month alcohol treatment course, 150 hours of unpaid work, and 25 rehabilitation activity days.

He will remain on the sex offenders register for 10 years and is subject to a sexual harm prevention order for the same length of time.

Crime

Boat removed from Cardigan scene as police probe young woman’s death

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A BOAT covered in black plastic sheeting has been removed from the Netpool area of Cardigan as part of a major police investigation into the death of a young woman.

The vessel was taken away at around 11:30pm on Saturday (Nov 15) under police escort and is understood to form a key part of the ongoing forensic inquiry. Officers had cordoned off the slipway near the River Teifi throughout the day, with multiple police vehicles and scenes-of-crime teams attending.

Emergency services were first called to the location around lunchtime on Saturday (Nov 15) following a 999 call, and a large police response was reported soon afterwards.

A man was taken to hospital with serious injuries. His condition has not been confirmed, and Dyfed-Powys Police have not yet said whether any arrests have been made.

The woman, believed to be in her early twenties, has not yet been formally identified.

Police are expected to remain in the area while specialist officers continue their investigation.

The Herald has contacted Dyfed-Powys Police for an official update.

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Crime

Police investigate death of young woman in Cardigan

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POLICE are investigating following the death of a young woman in Cardigan this afternoon (Nov 15).

Officers were called to the Netpool area, near the River Teifi, where the slipway was cordoned off and access restricted while investigations were carried out.

A man was taken to hospital with serious injuries, according to local sources.

Dyfed-Powys Police have not yet formally identified the woman, who is in he early twenties, or confirmed whether anyone has been arrested.

The Herald has contacted the force for an official statement

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Crime

South Wales Police praised but told to improve child abuse investigations

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Inspectors rate leadership and partnership working as ‘good’ but highlight inconsistent risk assessments

SOUTH WALES POLICE has been praised for its strong leadership and partnership work in protecting children from harm — but inspectors have called for improvements in how the force assesses risk and investigates abuse cases.

A report published on Thursday (Nov 14) by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) examined how the force responds to children at risk, how effectively it investigates allegations of abuse, and how well it works with safeguarding partners.

The inspectors concluded that “the concerted efforts of officers and staff, extending from operational teams to strategic leaders, are helping to achieve better outcomes for children.”

The report rated the force’s leadership, partnership work, and response to children at risk as good, but said performance in assessing risk and investigating abuse, neglect and exploitation was only adequate.

The inspection found that officers were “committed and caring,” and praised the establishment of specialist exploitation teams and the force’s investment in training. However, it also identified inconsistency in the supervision of child protection cases and delays in recording safeguarding decisions.

Assistant Chief Constable Tom Williams said the findings reflected the dedication of staff across South Wales Police and the importance the force places on protecting the most vulnerable.

He said: “Every day our officers and staff, both on the frontline and in specialist roles, work tirelessly to protect the most vulnerable people in our communities from harm. I am really pleased that our work on child protection has been recognised by HM Inspectorate.

“In such a complex area of policing there will be ways we can get better, which is why we have increased training and set up dedicated exploitation teams that have already made a difference in identifying and investigating offences of grooming and child sexual exploitation.

“There is more work to do, but we are totally committed to protecting children from harm and playing an integral role in the wider network of partners across South Wales who keep young people safe.”

South Wales Police urged anyone concerned that a child may be at risk of abuse or neglect to report it, promising that all reports will be taken seriously and investigated.

The full HMICFRS report can be read at: South Wales Police: National child protection inspection – HMICFRS.

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