PHILLIP CHEETHAM FROM PRESTON AND NOTTINGHAM JAILED FOR GROOMING TEEN IN SWANSEA AND PORT TALBOT

In a significant case that highlights the ongoing dangers posed by convicted sex offenders, Phillip Cheetham, aged 48, originally from Preston, Lancashire, was sentenced to prison at Swansea Crown Court for engaging in grooming and having sexual relations with a 15-year-old girl. The court heard that Cheetham had traveled from Preston to South Wales, where he spent several nights in various hotels in Swansea and Carmarthen with the underage girl after they initially connected through the internet.

Cheetham’s criminal history includes a prior conviction for grooming a 14-year-old girl in Nottingham, which occurred in March 2005. Despite this, he continued to engage in risky and illegal behavior, admitting to four sex-related offenses during the recent trial. The judge explicitly stated that Cheetham should be considered a dangerous offender, emphasizing the severity of his actions and the potential threat he poses to the public.

Prosecutor James Jenkins detailed the timeline of events, revealing that Cheetham and the girl first made contact via MSN messaging in October 2005. At that time, Cheetham was already attending a sex offenders’ rehabilitation program, having been convicted of grooming a minor in Nottingham. He was under a community rehabilitation order and was prohibited from entering chatrooms, yet he continued to pursue contact with underage girls.

According to Mr. Jenkins, in early March 2006, Cheetham traveled from Preston to South Wales, where he spent time with the girl at various hotels in Swansea and Carmarthen. During these visits, sexual intercourse took place. The girl initially told her parents she was staying with a friend, but her parents grew suspicious and reported her as missing to the police. The girl later contacted her parents, informing them she planned to return home on March 7.

Authorities arranged to meet her at Port Talbot station, where police officers apprehended Cheetham as she disembarked from the train. Cheetham admitted to the sexual relationship at the time of his arrest. Prosecutors argued that Cheetham was fully aware of her age, knowing she was only 15 and not older.

During mitigation, defense lawyer Patrick Griffiths acknowledged Cheetham’s guilty plea to two counts of sexual activity with a child and two counts of meeting a child following sexual grooming. He emphasized that Cheetham did not use threats or force and did not cause any physical injury, asserting that all interactions were consensual.

However, Judge Michael Burr expressed grave concern over Cheetham’s behavior, noting that he was actively participating in a sex offenders’ program and was registered as a sex offender at the time of the offenses. The judge warned that Cheetham’s ongoing issues with sexual offending suggest a high likelihood of reoffending, and he labeled him a dangerous offender. The court sentenced Cheetham to prison, with eligibility for parole after 18 months, underscoring the serious nature of his crimes and the risk he continues to pose to society.