CRAIG HAYMOND'S SHOCKING GROOMING PLOT IN SWANSEA: PREDATORY PAEDOPHILE JAILED FOR 6 YEARS
In October 2016, a disturbing case unfolded in Swansea involving Craig Kevin Haymond, a convicted sex offender with a troubling history of inappropriate conduct towards minors.Haymond, who had previously served time for a sexual offence involving an underage victim, was caught attempting to groom a ten-year-old girl from a local Swansea family, raising serious concerns about his ongoing threat to children.
Haymond had initially established a relationship with the family through a mutual acquaintance who was seeking someone to undertake various DIY tasks at their residence.
Over time, this connection deepened, and Haymond was even invited to stay overnight at the family home on several occasions.
However, suspicions arose among the mother of the young girl when she observed Haymond sitting unusually close to her daughter on the sofa during a December visit.
The girl appeared to be engaged in a game of hangman with Haymond, who was holding a notepad, and the mother noticed the pair exchanging the book back and forth.
Concerned about what she was witnessing, the mother requested to see the notepad.
In response, Haymond tore out pages from the book, an act that heightened her suspicions.
She then asked him to leave the house, which he did after a prolonged attempt to stay despite her insistence.
Later that night, she managed to recover the torn pages, which contained notes that explicitly referenced kissing and hugging, indicating inappropriate intentions towards her daughter.
Prosecutor Dyfed Thomas told Swansea Crown Court that the mother’s vigilance was crucial in preventing further harm.
The court was informed that Haymond had a prior conviction for a sexual offence involving a minor, for which he received a four-year prison sentence at Cardiff Crown Court in 2012.
Despite this, Haymond had told the mother that he had been falsely accused and that he had not been convicted, a claim she believed at the time.
Haymond was subject to licence conditions upon his release, including a strict prohibition against residing in a house with young children.
During police interviews, the young girl described playing hangman with Haymond and admitted that as the game progressed, she felt uncomfortable, believing he was joking or messing around.
She also revealed that Haymond had given her presents, including an iPod and money, and had previously engaged in physical contact, such as tickling her feet.
Social Services conducted a review following the incident and concluded that the case could be closed, believing that no further immediate risk was present.
However, the court heard that Haymond’s actions and previous history painted a troubling picture of his intentions and potential danger.
In mitigation, lawyer Jon Tarrant acknowledged Haymond’s apparent acceptance of his situation and the serious issues he faced.
Haymond, whose address was listed as Parc Prison in Bridgend, pleaded guilty to charges of inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.
During sentencing, Judge Paul Thomas QC condemned Haymond’s manipulative and predatory behaviour.
He emphasized that Haymond had exploited his position of trust by deceiving the mother about his background and his licence conditions, which explicitly forbade him from staying overnight in a household with children under ten.
The judge highlighted that Haymond’s notes, which he tore from the notepad, were clearly preparatory in nature, indicating an intent to groom the young girl.
Judge Thomas praised the mother’s vigilance, stating, “The conduct of the mother was impeccable.
There is no question she acted entirely correctly.” He expressed grave concern about Haymond’s ongoing risk to children, describing him as a manipulative and devious individual who had not received adequate treatment for his past offences.
As a result, Haymond was sentenced to six years in prison, with an extended four-year licence period following his release.
He was also subject to a restraining order and will be registered as a sex offender for life.
The court’s decision underscores the importance of safeguarding children from individuals with a history of sexual offending and highlights the critical role of vigilant parents and community members in preventing abuse.
