DAVID OWEN FROM ACREFAIR AND JOHNSTOWN CAUGHT IN SHOCKING ONLINE SEXUAL OFFENSES

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Acrefair and Johnstown, David Owen, a 35-year-old man, was convicted of attempting to engage in sexual activities with a minor through online communications. The incident, which took place between September and November of the previous year, was ultimately exposed through a police sting operation that revealed Owen's inappropriate intentions.

Owen, who was employed as a chef at a higher educational institution but has since been suspended from his position, believed he was communicating with a 13-year-old girl via the Kik social messaging application. Unbeknownst to him, the profile he was interacting with was created by undercover police officers. During their exchanges, Owen repeatedly referred to the girl with inappropriate terms such as “sexy bottom” and sent her two explicit photographs of his genitalia. He also requested similar images from her and asked for photographs of her and her mother, clearly indicating his sexual interest.

The conversations escalated as Owen exchanged mobile phone numbers with the girl, which allowed law enforcement to trace and identify him. Police officers subsequently visited his then residence at Heol Offa, Johnstown, where he was living with his wife, a nurse, and his stepdaughter. At the time of his arrest, Owen was residing with his mother at Bethania Road in Acrefair.

Following his arrest, Owen appeared before Mold Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to two charges of attempting to cause a girl aged 13 to indulge in sexual activity. The court sentenced him to ten months in prison. In addition to his incarceration, Owen was ordered to register as a sex offender for a period of ten years. A comprehensive sexual harm prevention order was also issued, which mandates that he must provide his internet usernames and passwords to authorities if he uses the internet and prohibits him from approaching children online.

Judge Rhys Rowlands described the offenses as “worrying and quite depraved,” emphasizing the severity of Owen’s actions. He stated, “It is quite plain to me what sort of images you wanted from this child. You sent her photographs of your naked genitalia and that is what you expected back from her.” The judge further explained that Owen believed he was communicating with a 13-year-old girl for several weeks, during which he requested explicit images and asked her to delete their messages. Owen’s actions, the judge noted, were clearly predatory and predicated on the belief that he was engaging with a minor.

During the court proceedings, the prosecution, led by Barrister Jade Trufail, detailed how Owen initially believed he was in contact with a girl from Manchester, but the profile was actually operated by an undercover officer. Owen’s behavior was characterized by the exchange of explicit messages, including calls for “naughty pictures” and the sending of two photographs of his genitalia. When Owen provided his mobile number, authorities were able to trace his location and arrest him at his home in Johnstown.

Defense counsel Oliver King argued that Owen was a man of good character who had been seeking solace in online messaging during nights when his wife was at work. He emphasized that Owen had not made any specific sexual demands nor had he threatened or blackmailed the girl. Mr. King expressed that Owen was deeply ashamed of his conduct, which was out of character, and highlighted positive references from friends and colleagues. The defense requested a suspended prison sentence, allowing Owen to retain his job and continue supporting his family, as well as to attempt to repair his relationship with his wife.

In a related incident earlier in March 2017, Owen admitted to attempting to groom an underage girl after being caught in a police internet trap. He had engaged in online conversations with a 13-year-old girl, sending her a photograph of his genitalia and urging her to send similar images of herself and her mother. Owen was unaware that the girl was an undercover officer at the time. He pleaded guilty to two offenses of attempting to incite a girl aged 13-15 into sexual activity at Wrexham Magistrates Court. Owen was released on bail with conditions that he reside at Bethania Road, Acrefair, and not live in the same household as any child. His sentencing is scheduled for April 6 at Mold Crown Court.