RICHARD WATT FROM CWMFELINFACH CAUGHT IN SHOCKING ONLINE SEXUAL PREDATION CASE IN RISCA AND BLACKWOOD

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the local community, Richard Watt, a facilities supervisor employed by the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, was caught engaging in illicit online conversations with what he believed was a 14-year-old girl. The incident unfolded in April 2018, when Watt, a 48-year-old resident of Maindee Road, Cwmfelinfach, situated between Risca and Blackwood, was ensnared in a police sting operation.

Undercover officers had created a fictitious persona, posing as a teenage girl, to lure potential predators into revealing their intentions. Prosecutor John Lloyd explained during the court proceedings that Watt believed he was communicating with a young schoolgirl. He recounted that Watt had asked her if she was a virgin and cautioned her to be careful, suggesting he was aware of her possible presence with her mother nearby. These exchanges were described as lewd and inappropriate, highlighting Watt’s attempt to engage in sexual conversations with a minor.

What Watt was unaware of was that he was actually speaking to an undercover officer, who had taken on a false identity to catch individuals like him. The police, acting swiftly, arrested Watt at his home last month. During the search, authorities discovered five indecent images of children stored on his Samsung tablet, which further compounded his charges.

Watt faced serious allegations in court, including attempting to engage in sexual communication with a minor and possessing indecent images of children. He pleaded guilty to these charges, acknowledging his misconduct. The court heard that the images found on his device were particularly disturbing and repulsive.

Recorder Greg Bull QC addressed Watt directly, condemning his conduct as lewd and obscene. He emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable young girls from individuals like Watt, who seek to exploit them. The judge noted that Watt’s actions were deeply troubling and that the images he viewed were “disturbing and disgusting.”

Despite the severity of the charges, the judge decided that a custodial sentence would not be appropriate in this case. Instead, he believed Watt would benefit more from a non-custodial sentence, as a short prison term would likely deny him access to necessary help and counseling. Consequently, Watt was sentenced to a three-year community order, which includes 150 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, he was ordered to pay prosecution costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £140, both to be settled within three months.

Furthermore, Watt will be registered as a sex offender for five years, and a sexual harm prevention order was issued for the same duration. The court’s decision aims to balance punishment with the hope of rehabilitation, but the case remains a stark reminder of the dangers posed by online predators and the importance of vigilance in protecting children from exploitation.