JORDAN PHILLIPS FROM LLANFYLLIN SENTENCED AFTER SEXUAL MESSAGES TO UNDERAGE GIRL IN WELSHPOOL

Jordan Phillips, a 31-year-old man from Llanfyllin, has been convicted and sentenced in connection with sending inappropriate and concerning messages to a minor girl. The incident took place during a stag do weekend on July 30, 2023, and the case was heard at Welshpool Magistrates' Court.

According to court records, Phillips was under the influence of alcohol and drugs at the time of the messaging. He engaged in a series of conversations with a young girl, during which he asked intrusive questions such as whether she was sending nude images to boys, whether she was in the bath, and if she wore short shorts while tidying up. These messages raised serious concerns about his intentions and the nature of his communication.

The police became involved after the girl’s mother reported the incident. She had taken photographs of some of the messages, which were used as evidence. However, it was noted that other messages had been deleted by Phillips, as they were sent via Snapchat, a social media platform that allows for temporary messaging. During police questioning, Phillips claimed that the messages were not sexual in nature and did not serve his own sexual gratification.

Further investigation revealed that Phillips had told friends and family that he had “messed up” and expressed remorse, even mentioning thoughts of ending his life. The police also found that he had been sharing these messages with others, indicating a level of distress and regret. Since his arrest and charge, Phillips has been living apart from his children, reflecting the serious consequences of his actions.

During the court proceedings, his defense solicitor, Robert Hanratty, acknowledged that Phillips had been “exceptionally risqué” during the stag weekend and was “blind drunk” when he sent the messages. Hanratty emphasized that Phillips did not intend harm and was heavily influenced by alcohol and substances at the time. He described Phillips’ mental state as profoundly affected by the incident and expressed hope that his early guilty plea demonstrated remorse.

The court was also presented with a victim impact statement, read out by the prosecutor. The statement detailed the emotional toll on the young girl, who reported that she had “really struggled” since the incident. She shared that she now prefers to keep to herself, has lost close friendships, and feels like a different person altogether.

In sentencing, the magistrates decided on a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months. They justified this decision by citing the seriousness of the offense and the significant psychological impact on the victim. Additionally, Phillips was placed under a sexual harm prevention order for five years and a seven-year restraining order to prevent any contact with the girl.

Furthermore, Phillips is required to register as a sex offender at a police station every 12 months for the next seven years. He must also complete a 26-day accredited program aimed at improving his thinking and emotional regulation, along with 30 days of rehabilitation activities focusing on financial management, substance abuse, and offending behavior.

While no compensation was awarded to the victim, the court ordered Phillips to pay £239 in costs and surcharges. The magistrates emphasized the importance of protecting the public and ensuring that such behavior is addressed through appropriate legal measures.