Newport man caught in child grooming police sting

A Newport man who believed he was speaking to a 12-year-old girl online has admitted attempting to groom a child after asking explicit sexual questions – but was actually communicating with an undercover police officer.

David Rees, 48, of Henson Street, Newport, contacted someone he thought was a schoolgirl called “Hannah” last summer, Cardiff Crown Court heard. Despite being told immediately that she was just 12 years old, Rees continued the conversation and began making increasingly inappropriate sexual advances.

Prosecutor Jeffrey Jones told the court how the defendant’s messages quickly turned explicit. “She told him straight away she was 12 but he inquired if she was happy to continue,” he said. “The defendant flattered her, he said she was gorgeous and sexy. There was a reference of masturbation and he encouraged her and there was further talk of oral sex on her and how nice it would be for her.”

The court heard there were also discussions involving penetrative and digital sexual activity during the exchanges in August last year.

Rees pleaded guilty to attempting to cause or incite a child to engage in sexual activity and attempted sexual communication with a child. His only previous conviction dates back to March 1999 for handling stolen goods.

Defence barrister Nigel Fryer urged the court to consider his client’s circumstances. “This is a sad case. Mr Rees is not a sophisticated individual,” he said. “He is vulnerable and would struggle in a custodial setting. The defendant’s previous conviction is of some antiquity. He has acted in an utterly foolish way.”

Judge Christopher Felstead adjourned sentencing until February 9 to allow for a pre-sentence report to explore whether a suspended prison sentence with conditions could be appropriate. However, he warned Rees about the seriousness of his crimes. “I’m not making any promises. This is a case which clearly crosses the custodial threshold,” the judge told him. “It is in your interest to co-operate with the pre-sentence report author.”

Rees was granted bail but faces strict conditions. He must register as a sex offender, is prohibited from having unsupervised contact with anyone under 18, must register any new telephone numbers with Gwent Police, and is forbidden from deleting his internet history.