Huw Richards, 40, of Cilfynydd, has been sentenced to one year and two months in prison following his conviction for attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.
He has also been given a sexual harm prevention order for the next 10 years. The sentencing took place at Merthyr Crown Court on Thursday February 5, 2026, where Richards was found guilty after pleading not guilty during a previous hearing on July 21, 2025.
The case came to light on June 22, 2025, when an online child protection group, reported Richards to the police. At approximately 3:05pm, the group apprehended Richards outside his home, where he was compliant and cooperative.
The investigation revealed that Richards engaged in inappropriate online communication with someone he believed to be a 13-year-old girl, which was a fictitious social media account. Beginning on June 11, 2025, Richards sent a friend request to this fictitious account, which was operated by the online child protection group. Over the course of several days, he exchanged messages with the account, soliciting explicit photographs and engaging in sexually suggestive conversations.
Richards’ actions escalated as he requested photos of the fictitious girl in her school uniform and sent her explicit images, including a photograph of an escort magazine cover, claiming it contained indecent pictures. He also made disturbing comments about sexual acts, demonstrating a clear intent to exploit and manipulate a minor.
Detective Constable Luke Bond said: “This case serves as a crucial reminder of the dangers that exist online. We are committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society and will take robust action against those who seek to exploit children. We encourage parents and guardians to remain vigilant and to educate their children about online safety.”
“Richards’ conviction underlines the importance of ongoing efforts to combat online predatory behaviour.”
