Shotton man jailed for child sexual offences

A 22-year-old man from Shotton has been jailed for three and a half years after admitting sexual offences against a child and making indecent images of children.

Owen Addleton of Chester Road West, Shotton, appeared at Mold Crown Court on Monday, 1 December, where he was sentenced after previously pleading guilty to three counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child and four counts of making indecent images of a child.

North Wales Police began investigating Addleton in March 2024 after a school reported that a pupil had disclosed being in a relationship with him. The victim had only recently discovered his true age, as Addleton had lied and told her he was 16 years old.

The pair had met on Snapchat after Addleton added the victim and requested nude images. A sexual relationship developed between them.

Following his arrest, digital investigations uncovered over 100 indecent images in the most serious category on his devices, including images of children as young as two. Officers also found over 2,000 files showing a sexual interest in children, a large collection of schoolgirls wearing their school uniforms, and an internet search questioning how to hide storage from police.

Despite bail conditions prohibiting contact with the victim, Addleton continued to message her, even providing her with another phone after hers was seized for examination. He was subsequently charged and remanded into custody.

Addleton has been made to register as a sex offender for life and was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order indefinitely. Two ten-year restraining orders were also put in place to protect the victims.

Investigating officer, Civilian Investigator Ann Parry said: “Owen Addleton had a clear interest in schoolgirls, using social media to target his victims. He was manipulative and took no responsibility for his offending as he continued to contact one of the victims in breach of his bail conditions, providing her with another phone after hers was taken away for examination, to ensure he could continue contact. This case highlights just how important it is for children and their parents to know exactly who they are speaking to online, and the dangers of social media. I commend the bravery of the victims and their families for having the courage to come forward to give their accounts. We will leave no stone unturned when investigating those who seek to do harm to vulnerable members of our society.”