BRIDGEND PAEDOPHILE NICK COWDRY SENT TO PRISON FOR SEXUAL MESSAGES TO 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL
In August 2019, a disturbing case unfolded involving a man from Bridgend named Nick Cowdry, who engaged in inappropriate and sexually explicit communication with a teenage girl via Instagram.The incident highlights the dangers of online interactions and the importance of safeguarding minors from predatory behavior.
It was revealed that Cowdry, who was 53 years old at the time, initiated contact with a girl who was only 15 years old.
The girl, whose identity remains protected for legal reasons, had made it clear from the outset that she was a minor, yet Cowdry continued to send her messages that grew increasingly explicit and concerning.
Despite her repeated attempts to distance herself from the conversation, Cowdry persisted in his communication, showing a blatant disregard for her age and boundaries.
Prosecutor Matthew Cobbe, speaking at Cardiff Crown Court, detailed the troubling nature of the messages.
He stated, “As much as she tried to get rid of him he would not leave her alone.” The court heard that the girl first received messages from Cowdry on January 6, and she responded by telling him she was only 15 and asked him to leave her alone.
However, Cowdry lied about his age, claiming he was ten years younger than he actually was, but he did not attempt to hide his name or identity.
In the messages, Cowdry explicitly expressed his sexual interest in the girl, stating, “I’m looking for sexual friends.” The girl responded with concern, replying, “Look, I don’t know what’s going through your head but I’m 15, it’s not going to happen.” Despite her clear boundaries, Cowdry’s messages became more graphic and explicit, prompting her to respond with a vomiting emoji as a sign of her disgust.
The girl showed the messages to her father, who was understandably “totally disgusted” by the content.
Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, her father contacted the police.
Law enforcement officers quickly acted on the information, visiting Cowdry’s home in Bridgend to investigate.
They seized his phone and took him into custody for questioning.
During his police interview, Cowdry admitted to being responsible for the messages but claimed he could not recall why he had started messaging the girl, whom he did not know personally.
He also stated that he was often targeted by followers on Instagram and that he did not usually engage in sexual conversations with girls.
Cowdry further explained that he sometimes entered “self-destructive mode” when drinking, suggesting he may have been intoxicated the night before.
The court heard that Cowdry had a criminal history, with four previous convictions.
The Probation Service assessed him as presenting a high risk of re-offending and a high potential for harm to girls.
Despite his past, Cowdry pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual communication with a minor.
In sentencing, Cowdry was sentenced to 10 months in prison.
The judge also imposed a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and mandated that he register as a sex offender, emphasizing the seriousness of his actions and the ongoing risk he posed to the community in Bridgend and beyond.
