Cardiff Crown Court (Image: Wales Updates)
Last Updated: 2 minutes ago
A convicted paedophile narrowly avoided an immediate prison sentence after officers discovered he had been wiping his internet history and removing fantasy roleplay apps from his devices.
The original order
Rhydian Mason, 36, of Pontypool, had been subject to a sexual harm prevention order since 2018, imposed alongside a suspended prison sentence for child sex offences. Those earlier convictions included attempting to cause or incite a child to engage in sexual activity and attempted sexual communication with a child. The order was designed to regulate his use of the internet.
How the breaches came to light
Cardiff Crown Court heard that two Gwent Police officers uncovered the latest offending when they arrived at Mason’s home last autumn to carry out a routine annual sex offender risk assessment. Prosecutor Abigail Jackson told the court the defendant had been deleting his browsing history, using private and incognito browsers, and downloading and removing chatbot roleplay apps.
One of the apps found on his device was Apex Girls, a game set in a post-apocalyptic world built around a cast of female characters. The offending took place between 8 and 22 October 2025.
“This was a persistent breach of the order,” Miss Jackson said.
Defence arguments
Mason’s barrister Peter Donnison told the court his client had committed the offences during a period of “work-related stress”. He said the defendant was in full-time employment and acted as a carer for his mother.
Sentencing
Judge Richard Kember told Mason he was prepared to hold back from an immediate custodial sentence because he believed there was a “realistic prospect of rehabilitation” in his case.
Mason was handed a 14-month prison sentence, suspended for 21 months. He must also complete 200 hours of unpaid work in the community and a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement. He was ordered to pay £150 towards prosecution costs and a £187 victim surcharge.
