A 35-year-old man from Bridgend has been convicted of grooming a 12-year-old girl, following a guilty plea at Cardiff Crown Court. Matthew Cheshire, residing in the Sarn area, was sentenced to four years and three months in prison. Additionally, he received a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

Detective Constable Laura Davies, part of South Wales Police’s Online Investigation Team (POLIT), described Cheshire’s behavior as “predatory and manipulative.” Cheshire believed he was communicating with a 12-year-old child, but in reality, he was interacting with an undercover officer. The investigation revealed further sexual communication with another child, who was promptly safeguarded from Cheshire’s exploitative behavior.

The strength of the evidence gathered led to Cheshire pleading guilty to the charges brought against him. DC Isaac Gott, the Tarian case officer, emphasised that Cheshire’s tactics followed a disturbing pattern. “Developing a friendship with a child before introducing sexual elements into the conversation is a classic tactic commonly observed by sex offenders,” said DC Gott.

The proactive investigation by Tarian, the Regional Organised Crime Unit for southern Wales, successfully identified Cheshire as the offender. South Wales Police’s Online Investigation Team played a crucial role in conducting a thorough investigation into the offences. As a result, they also identified another victim of online child sexual abuse, ensuring the safety of children in the digital realm.