BRADLEY KNOWLES SENTENCED IN LLANDUDNO FOR SEX OFFENCES INVOLVING TEENAGE GIRL

In July 2020, a distressing case unfolded involving a father from Llandudno who publicly expressed his feelings of failure as a parent after his teenage daughter was targeted by a dangerous sex offender. The incident drew significant attention to the vulnerabilities of young individuals online and the importance of safeguarding measures.

Bradley Stephen Thomas Knowles, aged 24, was brought before Mold Crown Court where Judge Timothy Petts sentenced him to a total of four years and eight months in prison. Knowles appeared via video link from HMP Berwyn, indicating he was already in custody at the time of sentencing. He pleaded guilty to two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child under the age of 16, covering the period from March 19 to April 24 of the same year. Additionally, he admitted to possessing an image of a child, further compounding his charges.

According to prosecutor Myles Wilson, Knowles, who resided in Blaen Cwm, Llandudno, had initially met the young girl through online interactions. The court was informed that this online relationship escalated into a sexual relationship, with Knowles grooming the girl for sexual activity. The identity of the victim remains protected for legal reasons, but the court heard how the defendant’s actions had a profound impact on her and her family.

It was also revealed that Knowles had a prior criminal record, which included offences of battery and harassment involving young girls. This history contributed to the court’s assessment of his character and the danger he posed.

During the proceedings, the victim’s father delivered a heartfelt victim personal impact statement. He expressed his deep regret and feelings of failure, stating that he felt he had “completely failed” his daughter and had not protected her sufficiently from harm. His words underscored the emotional toll such cases inflict on families and loved ones.

Despite Knowles’s early guilty pleas, Judge Timothy Petts did not hold back in describing him as a “dangerous offender.” The judge emphasized the seriousness of the case, highlighting a pattern of domestic abusive behavior and the significant risk of future harm posed by Knowles. As part of his sentence, Knowles was ordered to serve an additional four years on licence following his release, ensuring close supervision.

Furthermore, he was mandated to remain on the sex offender’s register for life, a measure designed to monitor and prevent further offending. An indefinite restraining order was also issued, prohibiting him from making any contact with the victim. To bolster community safety, a sexual harm prevention order was imposed for a period of ten years, restricting his activities and interactions to prevent any recurrence of such offences.

This case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in tackling online grooming and sexual offences against minors, and the importance of stringent sentencing to protect vulnerable individuals from repeat offenders.