MARK ROBERTS FROM BANGOR SENT 3,500 MESSAGES TO YOUNG GIRLS IN A MONTH, UNKNOWINGLY TARGETED BY UNDERCOVER COP

In August 2017, a disturbing case emerged involving Mark Roberts, a 44-year-old man from Ffordd Cynfal in Bangor, who engaged in a prolonged and troubling pattern of online communication with young girls. Over the course of just one month, Roberts sent an astonishing 3,500 messages via the Kik messaging app, targeting females aged between 11 and 19 years old. His persistent efforts raised serious concerns about his intentions and the safety of the minors he contacted.

According to the proceedings at Caernarfon Crown Court, Roberts specifically directed his attention to a girl he believed to be 13 years old, calling her “Kayleigh Morris.” Between April 27 and May 1, Roberts sent her sexually explicit messages and images, demonstrating a clear pattern of predatory behavior. However, it was revealed during the trial that “Kayleigh Morris” was not a real person but an undercover police officer operating as part of an ongoing investigation into online child exploitation.

Prosecutor Simon Rogers explained that police had initiated an undercover operation after receiving intelligence about Roberts’ online activities in April. The investigation uncovered his attempts to engage minors in sexual conversations, with Roberts showing a disturbing level of persistence. Despite the fact that “Kayleigh Morris” was an officer, Roberts continued to send explicit messages, including images, and expressed a desire to meet her, although no concrete arrangements were made.

Roberts appeared in court from custody and admitted to multiple charges, including three counts of attempting to incite a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity. He also pleaded guilty to five similar charges involving older teenagers and two counts of possessing indecent images of children. The court was told that Roberts’ online activity was not limited to the initial contact; in June alone, he sent a staggering number of messages, emphasizing his relentless pursuit of contact with young girls.

Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke described Roberts’ conduct as extremely serious, highlighting the wide-ranging nature of his communications and the large number of victims involved. She emphasized that such behavior warranted a custodial sentence, which was set at 40 months in prison. The judge also ordered Roberts to be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and to adhere to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order upon release. Additionally, his mobile phone was confiscated as part of the court’s measures to prevent further offending.

During the investigation, police examined Roberts’ mobile device and discovered evidence of his extensive messaging activity. Mr. Rogers detailed that Roberts had told the undercover officer he was 35 years old and inquired about her age, to which she responded that she was 13. Roberts then proceeded to send her sexually explicit messages and images, complimenting her profile picture and expressing a desire to meet, although no plans were finalized.

Roberts was arrested on June 20 and fully cooperated with authorities, admitting to sending explicit images and messages to multiple girls. The investigation revealed that he had also contacted an 11-year-old girl, asking to meet her, and had sent images of himself to two 12-year-olds. Despite the girls ending contact, Roberts continued to send messages, demonstrating a disturbing pattern of behavior. He confirmed that he was the sole person with access to his phone and accepted responsibility for his actions, which have now led to his imprisonment and lifelong registration as a sex offender.