ADAM HOPKINS FROM LLANDUDNO JAILED FOR GROOMING TEEN GIRLS IN NORTH WALES

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the local community of Llandudno and the wider North Wales region, Adam Hopkins, a former radio DJ, was sentenced to prison for engaging in disturbing online grooming activities involving two underage girls. The incident, which took place in January 2008, has highlighted the dangers of internet predators and the importance of vigilant online safety measures.

Adam Hopkins, aged 26 at the time, was found guilty of multiple serious offences related to his interactions with the two 14-year-old girls. The court heard that Hopkins had initiated contact with the girls through an internet messaging service, where he engaged in inappropriate conversations and played strip poker with them via webcam. During the hearing at Mold Crown Court, Hopkins admitted to these actions, describing himself as a sex addict, which he claimed was a factor in his behavior.

He indulged in indecent acts in front of the camera, and on one occasion, he met with the two girls in person. Although no physical contact occurred during this meeting, Hopkins admitted that he had met the girls with the intention of pursuing sexual activity in the future through online communication. The court was told that these meetings and interactions were part of a pattern of grooming behavior aimed at exploiting the young girls.

At the time of his arrest, Hopkins was residing on Carmen Sylva Road in Llandudno. Since his detention, he has been living with his father at Pendre Road, Penrhynside. His actions led to his conviction on two counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of young girls and one count of sexual grooming. As part of his sentence, Hopkins was ordered to register as a sex offender for the next ten years.

Judge John Rogers QC imposed a one-year prison sentence on Hopkins and also issued a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (Sopo). This order, similar in nature to an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (Asbo), restricts Hopkins from having girls under the age of 16 at his home and bans him from using internet chatrooms, newsgroups, bulletin boards, or visiting cyber cafes unless for legitimate employment purposes. These measures are designed to prevent further offending and protect potential victims.

During the sentencing, Hopkins’s barrister, Andrew Green, highlighted that his client had lost everything and was deeply ashamed of his actions, which he described as a life-changing experience. Judge Rogers acknowledged that Hopkins was a young man of good character with an otherwise impeccable family background. He noted that Hopkins had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity, expressed genuine remorse, and was actively seeking private counseling to address his issues.

Despite these mitigating factors, the judge emphasized the severity of the offences, stating, “Only a prison sentence is appropriate.” The judge’s decision underscores the seriousness with which the court views online grooming and sexual exploitation of minors.

Following the case, the parents of one of the girls, who cannot be named for legal reasons, expressed their fear and concern about what could have happened. They issued a warning to other parents and guardians about the importance of strict internet security and monitoring of children’s online activities. The father commented that Hopkins had been in contact with the girls via MSN and warned that many young people have hundreds of contacts on social networking sites, making it difficult for parents to keep track of their children’s online interactions.

The mother of the girl added her perspective, stating, “This was a local celebrity taking advantage of easily impressed young girls. He was not a silly lad, but a grown man.” Both parents expressed hope that the prison sentence would serve as a warning to others and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future, emphasizing the need for vigilance and responsibility in the digital age.