SIMON BRITTON FROM BARRY CAUGHT TRYING TO MEET 14-YEAR-OLD GIRL IN SWANSEA AND PORTHKERRY PARK
In February 2018, a disturbing case unfolded involving Simon Britton, a 50-year-old man from Barry, who engaged in online conversations with someone he believed to be a 14-year-old girl.The incident highlights the dangers of online grooming and the efforts of law enforcement to combat such predatory behavior.
According to court proceedings at Cardiff Crown Court, Britton initiated contact through a chatroom, where he expressed admiration for what he thought was a teenage girl’s profile picture.
Despite being informed that she was a minor, Britton continued to communicate, making sexually explicit remarks during their online exchanges.
The court heard that Britton’s messages included inappropriate comments and descriptions of sexual acts he wished to perform.
Prosecutor Sam Shepherd explained that Britton was actually communicating with an individual who was part of a Swansea-based group dedicated to tracking and exposing online grooming and paedophilia.
This group had set up a fake profile on Meet4U under the alias “Brook,” using a photograph of a young girl to lure potential predators.
The profile explicitly stated that she was 14 years old.
During their online chat, Britton complimented the profile picture, saying, “I love your profile pic.” The girl responded, “Hi I’m Brook, I’m 14, thanks.” Despite her disclosure of her age, Britton continued to make sexually explicit comments, describing what he wanted to do to her and sending three photographs of himself.
He also requested images from her, further indicating his intentions.
He even invited her to watch him perform a sexual act and arranged to meet her in person at a leisure centre in Swansea.
However, Britton failed to attend the meeting and subsequently proposed another rendezvous at Porthkerry Park.
The woman, acting as the decoy, contacted the police after Britton’s failed attempts to meet her in person.
Law enforcement traced Britton through his Facebook profile, leading to his police interview.
During questioning, he admitted to contacting the girl but denied any intention of meeting her for sexual activity.
He claimed he believed she was 14 and acknowledged that he should have ended the conversation earlier.
Britton, who resides at Grayburn House in Jackson Quay, Barry, faced charges of attempting to meet a child for sexual activity.
Additionally, he admitted to possessing cannabis.
The court, presided over by Judge Eleri Rees, acknowledged that no real child was involved in the case but emphasized the seriousness of Britton’s actions.
The judge stated, “It seems to me that behaviour of this kind calls for an immediate term of imprisonment.” Consequently, Britton was sentenced to 12 months in prison.
Furthermore, the court imposed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order to restrict his future conduct and protect potential victims from similar predatory behavior.
