CHEF CHESTER YATES FROM MOLD SLAPPED WITH SUSPENDED SENTENCE AFTER UNDERAGE SEXUAL GROOMING IN MOLD

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Mold, Chester Yates, a 20-year-old chef residing on Ivy Crescent, was found guilty of engaging in sexual activities with a vulnerable 15-year-old girl. The incident, which took place earlier this year, involved a disturbing pattern of grooming and manipulation that culminated in a night of sexual contact in a rural location near Mold.

Yates appeared before Mold Crown Court to face charges of two counts of sexual activity with a child. During the hearing, it was revealed that Yates had used social media platform Facebook to establish contact with the young girl, who was under the age of consent. Prosecutor Anna Pope detailed how the messages exchanged between Yates and the girl became increasingly sexualized over time, with the two discussing meeting up in person.

According to Miss Pope, Yates was aware of the girl’s age before they engaged in sexual activity. She explained that the messages included flirtatious comments and expressions of love, with both parties talking about settling down together and starting a family, despite never having met physically. The court heard that Yates had asked her age, to which she responded “15 – you are going to be put off now,” but he replied “not really,” indicating his continued interest.

Further evidence presented in court showed that Yates picked up the girl in his car after finishing his shift at 10 pm. He then drove her to a secluded rural area near Mold, where sexual activity took place. It was noted that on that same night, the girl was reported missing to the police. Both Yates and the girl were described as willing participants in the sexual encounter, which Yates later attempted to justify by claiming he was unaware of her underage status.

Following the incident, Yates dropped the girl off near her home and advised her to dispose of her SIM card, a detail that raised further concerns. The victim’s friend’s mother discovered the messages exchanged between the two and promptly reported her findings to the authorities. Yates was arrested and, during police interviews, admitted to the sexual activity but maintained he did not know she was underage.

Defending Yates, solicitor Frances Willmott argued that her client’s actions stemmed from a lack of maturity and life experience. She emphasized that Yates had the support of his employer and family, who were disappointed by his behavior but hoped he would continue his career as a chef. Willmott acknowledged that Yates had not fully considered the consequences of his actions.

Judge Niclas Parry delivered the sentence, condemning Yates for his conduct. He stated, “You sexually abused a vulnerable young girl and you knew her age. It was the topic of some discussion between you. You flattered her, effectively grooming her, and quite remarkably she agreed to meet you for sexual activity. You need to understand this law is there to protect young girls from themselves.”

The judge highlighted aggravating factors, including the choice of a rural location for the sexual encounter and the instruction to dispose of the SIM card, which Yates disputed. As part of his sentence, Yates was ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work, attend a 50-day rehabilitation program, and register as a sex offender for the next decade. Additionally, he was fined £500 to cover court costs and subjected to a sexual harm prevention order that restricts his contact with children under 16 unless their parents are informed and give consent. Restrictions on his internet use were also imposed, preventing him from storing software or deleting his search history, to prevent further misconduct.