Swansea man jailed for online child grooming offences

Emyr Anthony, from Swansea, appeared at Swansea Crown Court today (Thursday 4 May) for sentencing, where he had previously pleaded guilty to sexually communicating with a child and meeting a child following sexual grooming.

The operation was led by Tarian, the regional organised crime unit, along with Heddlu Dyfed-Powys Police .

The court heard how Anthony used social media platforms to engage with an online profile of who he believed was a 14-year-old boy, but was an undercover Tarian officer.

In conversations, the 59-year-old acknowledged that he was speaking to a child before graphically describing numerous sexual acts and arranged to meet the boy for sexual activity; confirming a time and location. Anthony arranged to meet the young boy earlier this month, where he was arrested.

A joint operation by Tarian, the Regional Organised Crime Unit, and Dyfed-Powys Police resulted in the arrest and prosecution of Anthony.

Detective Inspector Mathew Davies, of Tarian, said: “This is excellent joint working between Tarian and Dyfed Powys Police. The focus of the operation was to target high harm offenders, whilst safeguarding and protecting children.

“At Tarian, we have specialist officers who work tirelessly to protect children online as well as target those perpetrators, such as Anthony.

“It is our absolute priority to protect and keep children safe in our communities.

“If anyone has been a victim of child sexual abuse, I urge you to report it to your local police force via 101. We will always follow up allegations of abuse, no matter when they occurred. Victims can talk in confidence to experienced investigators and we can also help them get access to a range of other support services.”

“If you have concerns about your use of the internet or inappropriate thoughts or behaviour about children or if you are worried about how someone you know behaves around children or are worried about their use of the internet then the Lucy Faithfull Foundation provide a free, anonymous and confidential Stop It Now! helpline on 0808 1000 900 for advice, support and information.”

(Lead image: Tarian)