ADAM BROWN FROM MAESTEG CAUGHT GROOMING SCHOOLBOY ON FACEBOOK IN CARDIFF COURT

In August 2014, a disturbing case emerged involving Adam Brown, a 21-year-old man from Maesteg, who engaged in a sinister online grooming scheme targeting a young schoolboy. Brown, who later legally changed his name to Logan Brown through a deed poll, used social media platforms, specifically Facebook, to manipulate and exploit the vulnerable teenager.

Brown’s actions came to light after the mother of the victim took matters into her own hands. She was working night shifts at the time, leaving her son and other children under the care of their grandmother. Upon her return on July 3, she noticed her family’s dog behaving strangely, which prompted her to check on her children. To her shock, she discovered that her son’s bed was empty. Concerned and alarmed, she immediately contacted her son by phone, who initially claimed he was out for a walk.

However, her suspicions grew when she decided to investigate further. She retrieved her son’s phone and later his computer, insisting he reveal his passwords. As she examined the online activity, she uncovered a series of disturbing messages exchanged between her son and Adam Brown. The content of these messages left her feeling sick and deeply concerned about her son’s safety.

According to the prosecution, Gareth James, the court heard that the communication between the boy and Brown escalated quickly after the teenager had simply clicked “like” on a Facebook post. Brown responded by sending a friend request, and their conversation soon turned inappropriate. Brown, who had posted videos online joking and inviting comments, began to make sexual remarks. He told the boy he was “cute” and then made a sexual suggestion, which was a clear warning sign of his predatory intentions.

Brown then manipulated the young teenager by claiming he might commit suicide if he did not respond, creating a sense of emotional pressure. An agreement was made to meet in a park, and in the early hours of the morning, the boy left his home. Brown met him there, greeted him with a hug, and the boy found the situation unsettling. Recognizing the oddity of the encounter, the boy returned home, where his mother immediately contacted Brown and instructed him to cease all contact with her son.

Despite her warning, Brown continued to communicate with the boy. He sent messages saying, “I have just spoken to your Mum – you are an amazing guy – all I want is for you to be happy,” and added, “you and I are having to have a good chat later, ok Hun?” This persistent contact raised further alarm.

When police eventually arrested Brown at his residence on Herman Road, Maesteg, he claimed that his intentions were innocent, stating he only wanted to kiss the boy and would not have done anything further. However, the court did not accept his explanation, emphasizing the seriousness of his actions.

During the trial, Brown’s defense lawyer, Kevin Seal, argued that his client was troubled and vulnerable, suggesting he would suffer in prison. Nonetheless, Recorder Wyn Lloyd Jones was unequivocal in his judgment. He stated that Brown had preyed on the mind of a young boy, threatening to take his own life and implying that the boy would be responsible for assisting in a suicide. The judge emphasized the gravity of the offense, making it clear that such behavior could not be tolerated.

As a result, Adam Brown was sentenced to 14 months in prison. Additionally, he will be placed on the sex offenders’ register and subjected to sexual prevention restrictions for a period of ten years, ensuring ongoing monitoring and restrictions to protect others from similar harm in the future.