DANIEL MINTON AND SHOCKING SEXUAL OFFENSES IN SA4 AND GOWER

A man described as manipulative and predatory has been convicted of taking indecent photographs of a young girl in her swimsuit, an incident that occurred in the SA4 area and Gower. The court heard that Daniel Minton, aged 44, exhibited a disturbing pattern of behavior characterized by a lack of regard for sexual boundaries and a preoccupation with sexual acts.

The Swansea Crown Court was informed that in 2021, Minton took photographs of a schoolgirl while she was in a hot tub at a location where she had gone to drink alcohol and participate in a social gathering. The images captured focused predominantly on the girl’s groin area, with some photographs partially revealing her genitalia. These images were classified as Category C, indicating they were indecent photographs of a young person.

Minton, who resides on Penclawdd Road in Penclawdd, Gower, denied the charges of making indecent photographs. However, after a trial, the court found him guilty of the offense. Following his conviction, a probation officer discussed potential rehabilitative measures with Minton, including the possibility of attending a community-based sex offender program. During this discussion, Minton responded in a highly inappropriate manner, stating: "Do you want a load of dead paedos? Because that is what will happen."

Ian Ibrahim, representing Minton, acknowledged that the pre-sentence report contained troubling details, describing it as “unpleasant reading.” He noted that there appeared to be a disconnect between the report’s author and his client. Ibrahim explained that Minton claimed to have been intoxicated on the night of the incident and that he had “foolishly” taken the photographs while under the influence. The barrister emphasized that Minton’s life has changed significantly since the offending.

The presiding judge, Recorder Mark Powell KC, ordered a pre-sentence report due to concerns about the nature of the offending and the circumstances under which the photographs were taken. He described the report as “very disturbing,” highlighting that an experienced probation officer had characterized Minton as a “manipulative and predatory” individual who engaged in risk-taking behavior bordering on recklessness. The report concluded that such risks could not be effectively managed within the community.

Judge Powell further described Minton as “very ego-centric,” with “distorted thinking,” and noted his sexual pre-occupation with little regard for boundaries. Based on the evidence presented during the trial and the report’s findings, the judge sentenced Minton to two years in prison. He will serve up to half of that term behind bars before being released on licence to serve the remainder in the community. Additionally, Minton was placed on the sex offenders register for ten years and was subject to a sexual harm prevention order for the same duration.