DANIEL MESSHAM PENCED IN BY POLICE IN PENCOED AFTER ABDUCTING TEENAGER AND SEXUAL OFFENSES

In March 2025, a disturbing case unfolded involving Daniel Messham, a 21-year-old resident of Eleanor Close in Pencoed, who was involved in the abduction and sexual exploitation of a teenage girl. The incident began when Messham engaged in online conversations with the young girl, whom he believed to be in a romantic relationship despite her being underage. He then picked her up from her home in his vehicle, leading to a series of alarming events that culminated in a police pursuit and subsequent arrest.

According to court proceedings at Cardiff Crown Court, Messham and the victim engaged in sexual activities at his residence, including vaginal and oral sex. During this period, the victim’s mother had already reported her missing to authorities, raising concerns about her safety. After the encounter, the girl returned home and had an argument with her mother. In a distressing turn, she packed a suitcase, and Messham arrived outside her house in his car. Her mother approached the vehicle and warned Messham that her daughter was only a teenager and not to be taken away. Despite her pleas, Messham ignored her and drove off with the girl inside the car.

The mother, witnessing her daughter being taken, pursued the vehicle and contacted the police, providing the officers with the location of the car. A police stop was executed approximately 20 minutes later, where officers found the girl sitting in the passenger seat of Messham’s vehicle. During questioning, Messham falsely claimed he believed the girl was 17 years old, attempting to justify his actions. He was allowed to leave the scene temporarily but was detained the following day. A search of his home in Bridgend uncovered 41.2 grams of cannabis, and his mobile phone was seized for further investigation.

Examination of Messham’s phone revealed journal entries that painted a troubling picture of his mindset. Prosecutor Martha Smith-Higgins detailed that the entries included reflections on his relationship with the underage girl, with one stating, “I’m so much older… That’s f***** up you know that. Do you really wanna f*** this girl? Or is that a pathetic delusion? Hot? Not. Let’s be real here. When she’s older what’s gonna happen? ‘Dan you were a monster for grooming me… I think you damn well know you deserve fail(sic) time’.”

Further entries indicated Messham’s disturbing intentions, with notes such as, “I will help her become a woman… This girl is clearly mentally unwell… This girl is clearly a lot younger than an adult… Are you about to take this girl’s innocence?” He also expressed internal conflict about his actions, questioning how he could justify dating a minor struggling with mental health issues, and admitting to finding younger girls attractive and acting on those impulses.

On Snapchat, there were messages exchanged between Messham and the victim that contained romantic content, including an image of the two together. One message read, “I hate that I’ve groomed people… that I’ve seen literally illegal porn… I refuse to download Instagram again… I still find myself every week or so doing something I really regret… best was(sic) I can put it is just sexualising people that are way too young and acting on it… I was so afraid I was slipping up when I met you that I was just repeating the behaviour I did online now I see it’s sm(sic) more than that.”

His internet history further revealed searches related to child abduction, including references to the Child Abduction Act 1984, made the night before his arrest. Despite being questioned twice by police, Messham answered all questions with “no comment.”

He pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including two counts of penetrative sexual activity with a child, meeting a child following sexual grooming, abducting a child, and possession of cannabis. The court acknowledged his previous good character but emphasized the severity of his actions.

Judge Paul Hobson addressed the court, highlighting the trauma inflicted on the victim and her mother. He described the incident as profoundly distressing, noting the mother’s fear and the emotional toll of the abduction. The judge recognized Messham’s remorse and social isolation but emphasized that he was aware of right and wrong, despite his complex PTSD diagnosis stemming from an adverse childhood.

Ultimately, Messham was sentenced to three years and four months in prison. Additionally, he was subjected to a 10-year restraining order, sex offender notification requirements, and an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order to protect the community from further harm.