Cardiff Teen Jailed for Child Sex Offence and Burglaries

A 19-year-old man from Cardiff has been sentenced to 22 months in prison after being found guilty of arranging a child sex offence and committing multiple burglaries and thefts across the city. 😔⚖️

Cody Price contacted a 13-year-old girl on Snapchat, initially appearing to message her by mistake. However, when questioned, he admitted deliberately contacting her and, after learning she was just 13, asked to meet so she could perform oral sex on him.

The victim told older friends about the messages, who decided to accompany her to confront Price. When they met up, Price tried to lead the girl to a secluded area whilst her friends hid behind bushes. He became aware they were being followed and fled when he spotted the girls.

Cardiff Crown Court heard the impact on the young victim was significant. Prosecutor Abigail Jackson said: “She was fearful about what could have happened because of the age difference and the size difference. She described the fear she felt when the defendant put pressure on her not to tell others about what had taken place.”

The court also heard: “She describes going forwards how this experience has made her not want to talk to boys because she feels she cannot trust them. She is a more anxious person than she was before this incident and is nervous all the time.”

Price, of Clos y Culfor, St Mellons, was also sentenced for burglary and theft of a Toyota Yaris, which was later found extensively damaged at St Mellons Business Park. Mobile phone footage showed him driving the stolen vehicle.

In another incident, he burgled a Cardiff property with an accomplice, stealing a Volkswagen Golf, PlayStation 5, Xbox and collection of samurai swords. When the victim contacted Price, he responded: “Watch this, if I get charged you’re dead.”

The final offence involved Price smashing windows at his own address whilst carrying a machete, which was later found hidden behind a washing machine.

Defence solicitor Hilary Roberts said his client was “immature and easily led” and had found himself in a “cauldron of trouble”, but had been offered employment in roofing upon release.

Price was also made subject to a restraining order, sex offender notification requirements for seven years, and disqualified from driving for 12 months upon his release.