Newport paedophile asked ‘girl’ about sex acts online

A paedophile from Newport asked what he believed was a 12-year-old schoolgirl whether she wanted him to perform oral sex on her during a series of online conversations.

David Rees, 48, of Henson Street, Newport, had no idea the “child” he was messaging was actually an undercover police officer posing as a young girl called “Hannah”.

The online conversations

Cardiff Crown Court heard how Rees made contact with the decoy profile last summer, with the conversations taking place in August last year.

Prosecutor Jeffrey Jones told the court that the fake profile made her supposed age immediately clear – but Rees pressed on regardless.

“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.”

Guilty pleas

Rees pleaded guilty to attempting to cause or incite a child to engage in sexual activity and attempted sexual communication with a child.

The court heard his only previous conviction was for handling stolen goods, dating back to March 1999.

Defence arguments

Nigel Fryer, representing Rees, urged the court to consider his client’s personal 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.”

The court also heard that Rees acts as a carer for his partner, who suffers with her health.

Sentencing ⚖️

Judge Christopher Felstead opted to spare Rees from immediate imprisonment, telling him: “These are serious offences but there is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation in this case.”

Rees was handed a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to complete a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement and carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.

The 48-year-old must register as a sex offender for the next 10 years and was made subject to a sexual harm prevention order for the same period.

He was also ordered to pay a statutory £187 victim surcharge.