PHILIP ‘CLIVE’ PHILLIPS SENTENCED FOR PREDATORY BEHAVIOR IN CRYMYCH AND SWANSEA

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Crymych and the surrounding areas, Philip ‘Clive’ Phillips, aged 51, was found guilty of engaging in a disturbing campaign to exploit a teenage girl. The court heard that Phillips, who is well-known locally as Clive, used social media as a tool to establish a sinister relationship with the young girl, ultimately persuading her to engage in sexual activity through a series of manipulative tactics.

According to court proceedings, Phillips befriended the girl on Facebook, initiating contact with the intent of grooming her. Over time, he bought her expensive gifts, including clothing, hair extensions, and two mobile phones, in what was described as a persistent and calculated effort to lure her into a sexual relationship. The girl, who was a minor at the time, eventually succumbed to his pressure and visited his residence, which is located in Maes yr Yrfa, Crymych.

Phillips’ criminal history added a disturbing layer to the case. He was previously convicted of rape and sexual assault in 1997, with the offenses committed in Crymych, West Wales. Following his conviction, he was subjected to notification requirements, allowing police to regularly visit and monitor him. He served six years of a nine-year prison sentence for those crimes.

During a police check at his home in Crymych, authorities uncovered a trove of incriminating evidence. They found messages on his Facebook account that detailed his interactions with the girl, as well as a collection of 41 indecent images of children, one indecent film, and approximately 200 images depicting extreme pornography involving both humans and animals. These findings underscored the severity of his offending and his ongoing predatory behavior.

Prosecutor Dyfed Thomas outlined to Swansea Crown Court that Phillips had repeatedly contacted the girl, requesting photographs of her and her friends. He also extended multiple invitations for her to visit his house alone, demonstrating a persistent campaign to exploit her vulnerability. The court was told that Phillips used gifts as a means of coercion, buying her affection and trust.

Defense attorney Geraint Walters acknowledged the gravity of Phillips’ actions, stating that his client was aware he faced a lengthy prison sentence. He attributed some of his client’s behavior to the effects of a recent road accident, suggesting that this incident may have influenced his conduct.

Phillips pleaded guilty to charges of engaging in sexual activity with a child, possessing indecent images of children, and possessing extreme pornography. In response, Judge Keith Thomas described Phillips’ conduct as “sexually deviant” and emphasized that his actions were driven by a desire to manipulate and exploit the young girl through the exchange of substantial gifts.

Concluding the hearing, Judge Thomas declared that Phillips posed a significant risk of reoffending and that his behavior warranted a classification as a dangerous offender. As a result, he sentenced Phillips to an immediate term of five years in prison, followed by an additional five years on extended license. The judge emphasized the need to protect other potential victims from the predatory tendencies of Phillips, who has a history of sexual offending in Crymych and beyond.