October 2015 Rhos man sent explicit photo to girl under age of 16 A MAN sent a photograph of his genitalia in a text message to a girl of high school age. David Cope-Davies, of Stryt Las, Rhos, near Wrexham, had been warned by police not to associate with the girl but they continued to meet. At Mold Crown Court yesterday Davies was ordered to register with the police as a sex offender for a decade. He was also made the subject of a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and he is not to contact the girl in any way or associate with other girls under the age of 16. A two -year prison sentence was suspended and he was placed on a three month tagged curfew to remain indoors at night between 6.30pm and 6am. Cope-Davies, 26, had previously admitted a charge of inciting a child under 16 to engage in sexual activity. The suspended sentence involved rehabilitation which Judge Niclas Parry described as intensive intervention. The judge told him: “It is a parent’s worst nightmare. That is why the law is there – as much to do with protecting vulnerable, impressionable, naive young adolescent girls from themselves as for any other reason.” The judge said his victim was infatuated with Cope-Davies. The disparity in age was an aggravating feature and the defendant had been warned by police to stay away but he ignored them. “You knew her mother was concerned about her but you continued,” the judge said. The relationship developed from one of friendship to exchanging sexually explicit text messages. “You undoubtedly sent a photo of your genitalia, all working up towards what would have been full sexual activity,” he said. He curried favour by giving her cannabis but there was no evidence of sexual touching. The judge said Cope-Davies had admitted the incitement charge, had no previous convictions and had led an industrious life. A reference showed he was highly regarded by an employer and there was no doubt Cope-Davies himself was vulnerable. There were educational and mental health issues which no doubt contributed to why he was seeking out the company of those younger than himself. The judge said he had been significantly influenced by Cope-Davies himself accepting there were issues which needed to be addressed. “For all those reasons I am entirely satisfied the public, and young females in particular, can be given far greater protection by a suspended sentence and rehabilitation,” he said. Jonathan Austin, prosecuting, said the mother was so concerned that the police were contacted. Cope-Davies would pick up the girl in his car and, apart from concerns for her physical and sexual safety, she was also concerned about his driving skills. After the mother spoke to the police, the daughter was found asleep in his vehicle in the early hours. The police served a child abduction warning notice on him but after the notice was served the girl was found in his car. Cope-Davies said when she climbed into his vehicle he got out and ran away. Brett Williamson, defending, said Cope-Davies had his own education difficulties. He recognised what he had done was dangerous and regretted the stupidity of his actions. He was facing up to what he had done and was determined to address his behaviour.