ABERYSTWYTH PAEDOPHILE DAVID WILLIAMS CAUGHT IN ONLINE STING IN CEREIDIGION

In a disturbing case that highlights the ongoing threat posed by online predators, David John Williams, a 54-year-old resident of Aberystwyth, was recently convicted and sentenced for engaging in child sex offences shortly after his release from prison. The case underscores the dangers of recidivism among sex offenders and the importance of vigilant law enforcement efforts to protect minors from exploitation.

Williams had a troubling history of attempting to groom underage girls online. In September 2015, he was caught in a police sting after arranging to meet a girl he believed was just 12 years old at the Odeon cinema in Bridgend. Unbeknownst to him, the girl was an undercover police officer posing as a minor, going by the alias Beth. When Williams arrived at the cinema, he was not wearing any underwear, indicating a clear intent to engage in inappropriate conduct. His arrest followed a series of online conversations where he expressed a desire to meet the girl and engage in sexual activities.

During the police investigation, Williams, who was then 53 and from Llanon, Ceredigion, admitted to five counts of arranging to commit child sex offences. His online interactions with the officer, which began on May 27 of that year under the username Welsh Gambler, revealed a pattern of grooming behavior. Prosecutor Tony Trigg detailed how Williams expressed a liking for talking to younger women and made comments about wanting to buy the girl food, jewelry, and clothes, suggesting plans to meet at the cinema and Porthcawl beach. He also asked her to wear a short skirt and instructed her to call him “Uncle David,” further indicating his manipulative intentions.

Williams’ conversations grew increasingly explicit, with him describing more serious sexual acts he wished to perform. He even questioned her about the age of consent, implying a willingness to break the law if she consented. The police identified Williams as a suspect by June 8, and two days later, during another chat, he claimed to have been talking to other girls online and mentioned having another ‘niece’ in his conversations. The planned meeting at Bridgend’s Odeon cinema was set for June 11, but Williams was arrested before he could carry out his intentions.

Following his arrest, Williams was brought before Cardiff Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to the charges. Judge Philip Richards sentenced him to 21 months in prison, a reduced term considering that no actual child was involved in the sting operation. In addition to his imprisonment, Williams was placed on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely and was subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order. The judge emphasized the malicious nature of Williams’ actions, noting that his intentions were clearly sexual and predatory. The case serves as a stark reminder of the persistent risks posed by individuals like Williams, who reoffend despite previous convictions and restrictions. The authorities’ proactive approach in setting up the sting operation was instrumental in preventing potential harm and bringing the offender to justice.