In 2019, the Offender Database recorded the convictions of six men across Wales who targeted what they believed were children as young as 12. These cases, involving both police undercover operations like Operation Harrier and independent groups such as the Elusive Child Protection Unit, highlight the ongoing dangers of digital grooming. The following individuals were sentenced at various courts, including Swansea, Mold, and Caernarfon, for their predatory attempts to exploit minors online.
Predators Caught by Undercover Police and Decoys
Nathaniel Edwards — Rhos, Wrexham
Nathaniel Edwards, 25, of Garden Road, Rhos, was jailed for 32 weeks after messaging a North Wales Police decoy. The investigation established that Edwards sent explicit photos and a video of himself to a “girl” he believed was 13. He also admitted to making indecent images by downloading them. Edwards is now a registered sex offender for 10 years.
Mark Richards — Llanelli, Carmarthenshire
Mark Richards, 45, of Stafford Street, Llanelli, was intercepted by an undercover officer at a train station. Swansea Crown Court heard that Richards had arranged to meet a fictional 13-year-old girl, bringing condoms and lubricant to the meeting—and even arriving with his own daughter. He was made subject to a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
Predators Confronted by Online Protection Groups
Anthony Hughes — Menai Bridge, Anglesey
Anthony Hughes, 51, of Tyddyn To, Menai Bridge, was jailed for 40 months at Caernarfon Crown Court. He was confronted by a group after sending lewd messages to what he believed was a 12-year-old girl. Judge Huw Rees noted the repeated nature of the offending, ordering Hughes to register as a sex offender and imposing an SHPO.
Philip Broadbent — Abergele, Conwy
Philip Broadbent, 59, of Abergele, was jailed for six months for engaging in highly sexualised chat on Facebook Messenger. He admitted to 15 charges of attempting to incite children to engage in sexual activity. The investigation established that Broadbent had even attempted to arrange a meeting at his home for the purpose of sex.
Mark Wilkins — Connah’s Quay, Flintshire
Mark Wilkins, 54, of Summersville Close, Connah’s Quay, was sentenced to 30 weeks after being confronted by the Elusive Child Protection Unit. Although he initially denied the messages outside his home, the investigation proved he had been communicating with a profile he believed belonged to a 13-year-old girl named Shannon. He must register as a sex offender for 10 years.
Eric John Hughes — Deganwy, Conwy
Eric John Hughes, formerly of Deganwy and later Caerphilly, was caught after contacting a fake profile named “Jade.” He was one of 200 men who messaged the account. Hughes was handed a five-year SHPO and his mobile phone was confiscated.
Status and Statutory Requirements
For the crimes reported in Wales, the status of these offenders is as follows:
| Name | Location | Sentence | Register Duration |
| Anthony Hughes | Menai Bridge | 40 Months | Indefinite/Life |
| Nathaniel Edwards | Wrexham | 32 Weeks | 10 Years |
| Mark Wilkins | Connah’s Quay | 30 Weeks | 10 Years |
| Philip Broadbent | Abergele | 6 Months | 7 Years |
| Mark Richards | Llanelli | Suspended/SHPO | 10 Years |
| Eric John Hughes | Deganwy | SHPO | 5 Years |
Monitoring and Public Protection
These men are managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) across North and South Wales. Due to their conduct, which involved the active pursuit of children via platforms like Chatiw and Facebook, their management is a priority for the Public Protection Units of North Wales Police and Dyfed-Powys Police. Authorities state that SHPOs are essential to limit their internet access and prevent contact with minors.
As registered sex offenders, they must comply with all notification requirements regarding their identity and residency. Authorities state that the use of decoy profiles remains a critical tool in identifying predators who believe they are operating anonymously. Any future attempt by these men to breach their SHPOs or fail to disclose their location to the authorities will result in immediate arrest and a return to the prison system.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.