DAVID COLLETT FROM WALSALL SENTENCED FOR GROOMING AUTISTIC GIRL ONLINE IN GWENT
In a case that has drawn significant attention, David Collett, a 22-year-old man from Walsall, was sentenced to a three-year community order after being convicted of grooming an autistic teenage girl from Gwent through online communications.The court heard that Collett engaged in a series of disturbing and manipulative acts aimed at exploiting a vulnerable minor, leading to serious criminal charges.
Judge David Wynn Morgan described Collett as a “singularly unattractive young man” and explicitly labeled him a sex offender during the sentencing.
Collett had admitted to multiple counts, including causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, engaging in sexual acts in the presence of a child, and making indecent images of a child, along with possessing such images.
The court was informed that these offenses stemmed from a pattern of grooming and exploitation carried out via online platforms.
Prosecutor Michael Jones provided details about the case, emphasizing the victim’s high-functioning autism, which made her particularly vulnerable.
The teenage girl, whose identity remains protected, had initially connected with Collett on a social networking site.
During their conversations, she disclosed her age, and Collett responded by correctly stating that he was 20 years old and living with his parents in the West Midlands.
The court was told that their initial exchanges were relatively benign, but the tone quickly shifted as Collett expressed a desire to have sexual relations with her.
Collett then asked the girl to remove her clothes and perform sexual acts via webcam.
He also performed sexual acts himself on camera and sent an indecent photograph of himself to her mobile phone.
The victim later revealed to police that she had recorded herself performing sexual acts on three separate occasions and had sent these videos to Collett.
The court heard that their relationship deteriorated after an argument, during which Collett threatened to locate her residence and “smash her house up,” indicating a threatening and coercive behavior pattern.
Following the threats, the victim confided in her mother, who then contacted the police.
Authorities visited Collett’s home in the West Midlands and seized his computer.
During questioning, Collett claimed that his computer might have been compromised by a virus and denied any involvement in the offenses.
However, forensic analysis by the Hi-Tech Crime Unit uncovered chat logs and videos of the victim, confirming his guilt.
Collett changed his plea to guilty just 17 days before the scheduled trial, a move that likely influenced the court’s proceedings.
Defense counsel Steven Thomas argued that Collett was not an immediate threat to children and described him as a “young, naïve individual” who could benefit from educational programs.
Despite this, Judge Morgan was unequivocal in his assessment, stating that Collett was aware of the victim’s age and her autism diagnosis, yet still engaged in a series of particularly heinous sexual offenses.
The judge emphasized the harm caused, noting that the victim was frightened and vulnerable.
“She was frightened of you,” Judge Morgan said.
“You deserve to go to prison.
If anyone believes that a community order is a soft option, I recommend they observe it because it is extremely unpleasant.” As part of his sentence, Collett is required to complete a three-year sex offender treatment program in the community under supervision.
Additionally, he must undertake 200 hours of unpaid work within the next 12 months.
He was also placed under a Sex Offences Prevention Order, restricting his internet access unless monitored by police, and he is mandated to sign the sex offenders register, ensuring ongoing oversight of his activities.
