STEPHEN THOMAS FROM POWYS SENTENCED FOR GROOMING VULNERABLE TEENAGERS IN LLANGOLLEN AND MOLD
A man from Powys, identified as Stephen Thomas, has been sentenced to serve a significant prison term after being found guilty of exploiting a group of vulnerable and troubled teenagers in the town of Llangollen.The sentencing took place at Mold Crown Court on October 10, where Thomas, aged 46, received a sentence of six years and six months behind bars.
Thomas had previously admitted to multiple serious offenses, including breaching a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO), supplying a Class A drug—cocaine—and attempting to sexually assault a minor.
The court heard that Thomas’s actions spanned over a six-week period during January and February of 2022, during which he targeted teenagers who were considered particularly vulnerable.
Prosecutor Simon Rogers detailed how Thomas lured the teenagers into his home under the pretense of offering drugs, alcohol, and a place for them to relax and spend time.
Despite being a registered sex offender at the time, which meant his mobile phone was under police surveillance, Thomas managed to manipulate the teenagers by claiming he was terminally ill, thereby eliciting their sympathy.
He exchanged mobile numbers with them, further establishing contact.
During this period, Thomas was observed moving SIM cards between multiple phones, including a device that he deliberately kept hidden from law enforcement authorities.
His repeated invitations for the teenagers to come over and 'chill' at his house became a regular occurrence.
As his relationship with the teenagers deepened, he began purchasing alcohol and cocaine for them, further exploiting their vulnerability.
One of the teenagers recounted that Thomas would frequently request pictures of them on his phone, but he would never be in any of the images himself.
On one disturbing occasion, a female teenager passed out on Thomas’s sofa after he had given her alcohol and cocaine.
He then carried her upstairs and laid her on his bed, attempting to remove her clothing.
However, some members of the group returned unexpectedly and saw what Thomas was doing, which led to their anger and outrage.
It was clear to the group that Thomas was attempting to take advantage of an extremely vulnerable girl for his own sexual gratification.
Following these events, police became involved.
During his arrest, officers found Thomas with an old mobile phone that was malfunctioning, with the battery falling out.
In police interviews, Thomas dismissed the children’s allegations, describing them as “liars.” Victims and witnesses provided emotional statements, with one stating, “I don’t want to be his victim.
I just want to be OK.
I will be a survivor, not his victim.” Others expressed feelings of violation and trauma, with one saying, “He ruined my childhood,” and another adding, “I feel sick at the thought of seeing him.” A fourth victim described life spiraling out of control and expressed ongoing fear, stating, “He made my childhood hell.” Thomas’s criminal history was also highlighted during the proceedings, revealing four previous convictions for a total of 34 offenses.
His defense attorney, Duncan Bould, argued that Thomas suffers from chronic and serious health issues that are unlikely to improve.
Bould also noted that Thomas had shown some progress since being remanded in custody and requested the court to consider his limited criminal record.
However, Judge Nicola Jones was firm in her sentencing, emphasizing the gravity of Thomas’s actions.
She stated, “You put them in positions of particular vulnerability for the purposes of grooming them.
It’s clear that the aim was to groom these children for sexual purposes.” As part of the sentence, Thomas was placed on an indefinite SHPO and sex offender register notification requirements.
Additionally, the court issued indefinite restraining orders preventing him from contacting five individuals.
All items seized from him during the arrest were ordered to be forfeited and destroyed, ensuring he would have no further contact or influence over the victims or the community.
