Blackwood paedophile avoids jail for grooming decoy teen

A 69-year-old man from Blackwood has been handed a suspended prison sentence after attempting to meet someone he thought was a 15-year-old girl.

Ian Hallett appeared before Newport Magistrates’ Court where he admitted trying to meet a child under 16 following grooming. The case involved a decoy operation which caught him out on November 12, 2024.

Hallett, who lives on Rhodfa Glascoed in Blackwood, received a 12-month jail term, suspended for two years. This means he avoided immediate custody but faces prison if he breaches the conditions.

As part of his sentence, he must complete 250 hours of unpaid community work and attend a 20-day rehabilitation programme designed to address his behaviour.

The court also imposed strict safeguarding measures. Hallett will remain on the sex offenders register for the next decade and has been made subject to a sexual harm prevention order lasting five years, which will monitor and restrict his activities.

He was also ordered to pay £187 in surcharges along with £85 towards prosecution costs.