In 2022, James Vaatstra, a Cardiff Paedophile, was incarcerated for utilising Snapchat to groom and rendezvous with a schoolgirl.
James Vaatstra, 35, was aware that his victim was 14 years old when he transmitted a video of himself engaging in masturbation.
He organised to collect the child in a vintage ambulance that he had transformed into a campervan and transported her to Ogmore-by-Sea.
The victim informed the police that James Vaatstra had requested her to embrace him in the van after providing her with cannabis.
The alert was triggered by a parent of one of the victim’s acquaintances, who expressed concern over some remarks made by her.
James Vaatstra was apprehended on September 21, 2021, the day subsequent to the initial police contact.
Officers discovered multiple sex toys during a check of his camper, which was additionally furnished with a bed.
They discovered footage on the victim’s phone that resembled his description. In a message to the girl labelled ‘DADDY’, he stated: “Haha, if I enjoyed prison food, I would have already taken the audacious risk of meeting you, but I absolutely love you!!! Xxx.”
Authorities successfully connected this communication to James Vaatstra’s Snapchat account.
James Vaatstra was accused of engaging with a minor under the age of 16 after grooming activities. He entered a guilty plea before his appearance at Cardiff Crown Court on October 14, where he was sentenced to two years of incarceration.
James Vaatstra was also under a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and a restraining order that forbade him from visiting or contacting the victim.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the people highlighted on this website, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report to Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.