Carmarthenshire man jailed for online grooming offences
Simon Howard tried to use social media platforms to form relationships with children
A man from Llanybydder in Carmarthenshire has been jailed for six years for online grooming offences.
33-year-old Simon Howard had previously pleaded guilty to multiple offences, including sexual communications with a child and inciting a child under 13 to engage with sexual activity.
Howard was caught after he engaged with the online profile of what he believed to be a 12-year-old girl. The account was actually run by an undercover Tarian Officer. Tarian is the Regional Organised Crime Unit for Southern Wales.
In the messages sent to the fake profile, Howard confirmed that he believed he was speaking to a child before graphically describing numerous sexual acts and detailing plans to meet with the child.
As well as a 6-year prison sentence, Howard has also been placed on the sex offenders register, and given a sexual harm prevention order for 10 years.
Detective Inspector Leon Lewis, from Dyfed Powys CID, said in a statement “Simon Howard displayed predatory behaviour and groomed who he believed was a 12-year-old child. Our absolute priority is to protect and keep children safe in our communities.”
“The work carried out by Tarian, ROCU and Dyfed Powys Police has helped to ensure that vulnerable children are protected from the risk Howard poses to them.”
“If anyone has been a victim of child sexual abuse, I urge you to report it to your local police force via 101. We will always follow up allegations of abuse, no matter when they occurred. Victims can talk in confidence to experienced investigators and we can also help them get access to a range of other support services.”
“If you have concerns about your use of the internet or inappropriate thoughts or behaviour about children or if you are worried about how someone you know behaves around children or are worried about their use of the internet then the Lucy Faithfull Foundation provide a free, anonymous and confidential Stop It Now! helpline on 0808 1000 900 for advice, support and information.”