ANDREW PRIDAY'S SHOCKING CRIMES IN SWANSEA: SERIAL SEX OFFENDER ENDANGERS FAMILY HOLIDAY IN EUROPE
A tragic and alarming incident unfolded when a father from Swansea unwittingly allowed a known and dangerous sex offender to accompany his family on a holiday to Europe, unaware of the man's criminal past.The father, who was left visibly shaken and described as 'physically shaking' upon discovering the truth, had invited Andrew Priday, a 61-year-old man with a long history of sexual offences, to join their trip, believing him to be a trusted acquaintance.
Andrew Priday had secretly obtained a passport, which he used to travel abroad with the family, despite being under strict legal restrictions due to his previous convictions.
His criminal record is extensive, with a history that includes multiple prison sentences for child sex offences.
The details of his past crimes and legal obligations came to light during a hearing at Swansea Crown Court, where his actions were described as 'determined and devious.' Priday's criminal history is well-documented.
In 1995, he was sentenced to seven years in prison at Cardiff Crown Court for the indecent assault of a child and gross indecency with a minor.
Later, in 2005, he received an extended 11-year sentence after being classified as a dangerous offender, for offences including indecent assault of a child, sexual activity with a minor, and the making and possession of indecent images.
His record also includes convictions from Kent in 2002 for breaching the sex offenders register and gaining pecuniary advantage through false pretenses, such as failing to declare his past convictions when applying for employment.
Additionally, he made false statements about his criminal history when applying for a marriage license with his then-fiancée.
Following his 2005 sentence, Priday was placed on the sex offenders register for life and was subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO).
The order mandated that he inform police of any passports he held and required him to notify authorities of any holiday plans at least a week in advance.
Despite these restrictions, Priday applied for and obtained a new passport in January 2021.
However, during subsequent annual registration declarations, he falsely claimed he did not possess a passport, thereby breaching the conditions of his SOPO.
In June of this year, a family from Swansea, who knew Priday but were unaware of his criminal background, decided to go on holiday to Bulgaria.
As part of their plans, they invited Priday to join them for the final week of their trip.
He flew from Cardiff Airport on June 17 and stayed for seven days at the family's holiday apartment.
During this time, authorities later discovered that Priday also possessed a mobile phone that he had not disclosed to police, further breaching his legal obligations.
The father of the family recounted his feelings upon learning the truth about Priday's past.
He told police that he felt 'sick' and was 'physically shaking' when he found out about Priday's previous convictions, highlighting the shock and betrayal experienced by the family.
Priday had previously pleaded guilty to multiple breaches of his Sexual Offences Prevention Order and the sex offenders registration scheme.
His criminal record includes a total of 12 convictions for 71 offences spanning from 1997 to 2005, with a significant number related to sexual offences involving minors.
His past sentences include a seven-year term for child indecency and gross indecency, and an 11-year extended sentence for a range of sexual crimes, including making indecent images.
During the court proceedings, Andrew Evans, representing Priday, stated that there was no evidence of inappropriate behaviour during the holiday itself.
However, he acknowledged that his client had failed to adhere to the legal requirements imposed upon him.
Judge Geraint Walters commented on Priday's apparent abandonment of any pretense of compliance, describing his breaches as 'determined and devious.' The judge emphasized that Priday's actions demonstrated a clear pattern of deliberate misconduct.
Considering his guilty pleas, Priday received a sentence of two years and eight months in prison.
He is expected to serve up to half of this sentence in custody before being released on licence, allowing him to serve the remainder of his term under supervision in the community.
The case underscores the ongoing risks posed by individuals with extensive and violent sexual offence histories, especially when legal restrictions are knowingly violated.
