Cilfynydd man jailed for child sex communication attempt

A 40-year-old man from Cilfynydd has been locked up for more than a year after trying to engage in sexual communication with what he believed was a 13-year-old girl.

Huw Richards was sentenced to one year and two months in prison at Merthyr Crown Court on Thursday, February 5, 2026, following his conviction for the online offence. He’s also been handed a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.

Richards had pleaded not guilty during a hearing on July 21, 2025, but was subsequently found guilty of the charges.

The investigation began when an online child protection group reported Richards to South Wales Police on June 22, 2025. Officers attended his home address at approximately 3:05pm that day, where the group had already apprehended him. Richards was described as compliant and cooperative during his arrest.

Police uncovered that Richards had been communicating with a fictitious social media account operated by the child protection group, which he believed belonged to a 13-year-old girl. The contact started on June 11, 2025, when Richards sent a friend request to the account.

Over the following days, Richards exchanged numerous messages with the account, soliciting explicit photographs and engaging in sexually suggestive conversations. His behaviour became increasingly disturbing – he specifically requested photos of the fictitious girl wearing her school uniform and sent her explicit images, including a photograph of an escort magazine cover, telling her it contained indecent pictures.

Throughout the communications, Richards made disturbing comments about sexual acts, demonstrating clear intent to exploit and manipulate someone he believed to be a minor.

Detective Constable Luke Bond said: “This case serves as a crucial reminder of the dangers that exist online. We are committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society and will take robust action against those who seek to exploit children. We encourage parents and guardians to remain vigilant and to educate their children about online safety.”

“Richards’ conviction underlines the importance of ongoing efforts to combat online predatory behaviour.”