ALEX EDWARDS SENTENCED IN WREXHAM FOR SEX OFFENCES AND ONLINE GROOMING
In June 2022, a young man from Wrexham was sentenced to four years in a detention facility after being found guilty of multiple serious sexual offences involving a minor.The defendant, Alex Edwards, who resides on Wynnstay Avenue in Wrexham, appeared before Caernarfon Crown Court to face the charges that had been previously established.
Edwards, aged 19 at the time, was convicted of a series of disturbing crimes, including encouraging or inciting a girl aged between 13 and 15 to perform sexual acts, sharing explicit photographs of a minor, harassment, making threats to kill, and possessing indecent images of children.
The court heard that Edwards had established a social media friendship with the young girl, who lived in England and had never met him in person.
Prosecutor Elen Owen detailed how Edwards initially befriended the girl online and asked her to be his girlfriend.
The girl, who was unaware of Edwards' true intentions, agreed to the relationship.
As it progressed, Edwards began to exert control over her, insisting she stay on the phone or social media and forbidding her from going out.
The situation escalated when Edwards sent her sex toys, one of which she used under his instructions while he watched via video call.
He also took screenshots of her engaging in sexual acts and coerced her into sending him indecent images of herself.
After approximately five months, the girl decided to end the relationship and blocked Edwards on social media platforms.
Following this, Edwards responded with a barrage of threatening messages directed at her and her family, including threats to burn her home and kill her.
He even sent her father indecent images of the girl, accompanied by a message stating, “Just to let you know, I am on my way to kill your daughter.” However, Edwards never traveled to the girl’s location.
Further investigation of Edwards’ phone revealed the presence of two Category A indecent images—classified as the most serious—and sixteen Category C images.
The court was informed of these findings during the sentencing.
Judge Niclas Parry addressed Edwards directly, emphasizing the gravity of his actions.
He stated, “There are numerous offences.
They exhibit worrying behaviour.
You have an obsession with social media and you’ve had numerous relationships with young females you’ve met online.
You made threats—serious threats—clearly intending to cause the maximum distress.” As a result, Edwards was sentenced to four years in a young offenders’ institution.
Additionally, he was placed under an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and is required to register as a sex offender for life.
The court also issued an indefinite restraining order, prohibiting him from making any contact with the victim to ensure her ongoing safety.
