Cardiff Couple Jailed After 96,000 Messages Reviewed

A Cardiff couple have been jailed after admitting numerous child sex offences involving three named victims.

Tracy Turner, 51, from Roath, and Stuart Compton, 45, of Cathays, sent thousands of messages to each other discussing their sex lives and arranging to sexually abuse children.

Detectives reviewed 96,000 messages between the defendants as part of their investigation, which began in June 2025 when concerning conversations involving Compton were discovered on a dating app.

At Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court today (Monday, July 28), Turner was sentenced to a 12-year custodial sentence with an extended two-year licence. Compton received life imprisonment and must serve a minimum of six years and 131 days before being considered for parole.

Turner admitted six charges of arranging the commission of child sex offences and two charges of making indecent images of a child. Compton pleaded guilty to six charges of arranging the commission of child sex offences.

Both are subject to Restraining Orders and Sexual Harm Prevention Orders.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector David Butt from South Wales Police, said: “Today’s sentencing concludes a 12-month investigation, during which time a small team of detectives reviewed approximately 96,000 messages which Tracy Turner and Stuart Compton sent to each other.

“The volume and nature of the content was disturbing – the worst of the worst – but the officers demonstrated resilience and determination to get justice.

“Thankfully, the victims had no knowledge of what was taking place. In statements provided to the court, some family members of the victims have described the devastating impact of the crimes, and we hope today’s sentencing brings them some comfort.

“Offenders like Turner and Compton believe they can hide behind phone screens, but this is clearly not the case.

“It is our absolute priority to protect children, and I am grateful to colleagues for their meticulous investigation into this appalling case, and the co-operation of the Crown Prosecution Service.

“The successful prosecution and conviction of these two dangerous sexual predators, will ensure that children are protected.”

Family members of the victims provided statements to the court describing the devastating impact of the crimes.

One mother said: “Our world has been turned upside down….we are truly devastated to learn of our daughter’s involvement in their sordid schemes. I hope that in time I can regain some sort of balance, and that the internal horror will diminish.”

Another mother said: “The thought of what could have happened to our daughter by two people that have monstrous sexual intent is unforgiveable. We can’t unhear what we know. The gravity of this is huge and difficult to put into words, no-one wants to be vulnerable, but here we are.”

One father said: “The pain Tracy Turner and Stuart Compton have put me and my family through is incomprehensible. I hope what they have done to me, and my family stays with them for the rest of their lives.”

Anyone concerned about their child is asked to report any suspicious behaviour and activity to police.