RICHARD WAVELL SENTENCED IN JERSEY FOR ATTEMPTED MEETUP WITH UNDERAGE BOY

In a case that has drawn significant attention in Jersey, Richard Allan Wavell, aged 32 and residing on Westmount Road, was sentenced to 11 months in prison after admitting to attempting to meet a minor he believed to be 14 years old for sexual activity. The incident was uncovered through the efforts of Cheyenne O’Connor, a dedicated paedophile hunter who has gained recognition for her online operations targeting sexual predators by posing as an underage boy.

Wavell’s arrest and subsequent conviction mark another chapter in Jersey’s ongoing fight against child exploitation. During the proceedings at the Magistrate’s Court, O’Connor expressed her satisfaction with the sentence, describing it as the longest handed down so far in her efforts to combat such crimes. She reaffirmed her commitment to continue her online crusade, aiming to bring more offenders to justice.

It was revealed that Wavell, who was classified as a vulnerable adult, had a troubling criminal history. He has four previous convictions, none of which involved sexual offenses but were related to assaults on teenage boys. Despite this, his past convictions underscored the potential risk he posed, especially given the nature of his recent actions.

In addition to his jail term, Wavell was subjected to a five-year restraining order that prohibits him from being unsupervised with any boy under the age of 16. The court also mandated that he must keep detailed internet activity logs on any device he uses and provide these records to police upon request. His name will remain on the Sex Offenders’ Register for at least five years, ensuring ongoing monitoring of his activities.

According to police legal adviser Lauren Hallam, the case began on January 10 when a conversation was initiated on the gay dating website Grindr between Wavell and the individual posing as a young boy. Over several days, the two exchanged messages, with Wavell showing persistent interest despite being given opportunities to cease contact. The communication later moved to WhatsApp after Wavell shared his phone number.

The court heard that Wavell and the supposed minor arranged to meet outside Jersey’s General Hospital at midday on January 21. However, the boy failed to appear, and instead, Cheyenne O’Connor was present to photograph Wavell waiting outside the hospital. The ‘boy’ later claimed he was delayed because he was caring for his 12-year-old brother. Wavell responded by suggesting the younger sibling could be brought to his house and left in another room, which Wavell later explained was an indication of his desire to engage in sexual activity with the older boy while the younger one waited elsewhere.

Further attempts to arrange meetings were made by Wavell before his arrest on January 24. The court was informed that Wavell had gone to considerable lengths to continue his pursuit of contact with the minor, despite the initial failed meeting.

During sentencing, Assistant Magistrate Peter Harris emphasized that Wavell’s prior record distinguished his case from others. He highlighted the significant risk of reoffending, especially given the sexually motivated nature of his recent conduct. The magistrate concluded that, considering Wavell’s history and the seriousness of his actions, a custodial sentence was justified to protect the community and prevent further harm.