FLINTSHIRE MAN JAILED FOR NUMEROUS CHILD SEX OFFENCES

A man named Ryan Russell has been sentenced to nine years in prison for committing multiple serious sexual offences against children in Flintshire. He appeared before Mold Crown Court for sentencing on Tuesday, November 26. Russell, aged 25, had previously pleaded guilty to numerous charges, including two counts of raping a girl under 13, two counts of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl under 13, four counts of engaging in sexual acts with a girl aged 13-15, and inciting a girl aged 13-15 to engage in sexual activity. Additionally, he admitted to making indecent images of children and possessing an extreme pornographic image involving intercourse with an animal. Prosecutor Myles Wilson detailed that Russell had sexual encounters with the victim four times last year—twice before she turned 13 and twice after—primarily in Flintshire during the early hours. These offences involved unprotected sex despite the victim's requests for protection. The case was uncovered after the victim's mother, suspicious of her daughter's absence, found Russell's vehicle registration and used it to link him to the crimes. Police analysis of Russell's phone revealed over 300 indecent images of children, including one involving a toddler and several extreme pornographic images featuring a woman and a dog. The victim's mother expressed her devastation in court, stating: "The shock and disbelief that someone could do this to an innocent child has been in our family every day. Since he did what he did, it's changed my daughter's life forever — her innocence has been taken away. I will never forgive you for what you have done to my daughter. My anxiety is unbearable and I’m constantly living in fear." Russell’s defense argued that the victim believed she was 15, and claimed he has a neurodivergent diagnosis that made forming relationships difficult, noting his previously good character. Judge Niclas Parry condemned Russell, stating: "You showed a total disregard for the welfare, safety, and dignity of female children, all to satisfy your sexual urges." As part of his sentence, Russell will serve eight years in custody and be on the sex offenders register indefinitely. He will also be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a restraining order against the victim for an indefinite period. Detective Constable Ben Franklin expressed hope that the sentence would provide some relief to the victim’s family and encourage other victims to come forward, acknowledging her bravery during police investigations.