GREG CAUSTON FROM LLANHILLETH AND NEWPORT CAUGHT IN ONLINE SEXUAL PREDATION SCHEME

In September 2021, a serious case of online grooming and attempted sexual exploitation came to light involving Greg Causton, a man with a troubling history of offending. Causton, aged 35, was apprehended after falling into a trap set by vigilant paedophile hunters who staged an online sting operation. At the time, Causton believed he was communicating with a 14-year-old girl named Zoe on the Meet24 application, a popular social platform among teenagers.

During the course of the conversation, Causton engaged in increasingly inappropriate and explicit exchanges. He requested that Zoe send him sexually explicit photographs of herself, and in a disturbing turn, he also forwarded graphic images of himself to her. The conversation took a more sinister turn when Causton explicitly asked Zoe to meet him in person so that they could engage in sexual activity. This request was made despite Zoe expressing her fears about getting into trouble, to which Causton reassured her that their secret would keep them safe. He also professed his love for her, further attempting to manipulate her into meeting him.

Prosecutor Claire Pickthall detailed the disturbing nature of the exchanges, noting that Causton called Zoe “beautiful” and “sexy,” and pressed her to send pictures after she had taken her clothes off. He repeatedly asked her to meet up, showing a clear intent to pursue a sexual encounter. Causton’s predatory behavior was not isolated; he had a prior conviction from 2014, when he was jailed for two years after sending sexually explicit messages to a 15-year-old girl.

Authorities confirmed that Causton’s recent offending occurred between July 2020 and 2021. He pleaded guilty to charges of attempted sexual communication with a child and also admitted to attempting to breach a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) that was previously imposed on him.

During the court hearing at Cardiff Crown Court, Recorder IWL Jones delivered a stern message to Causton, stating, “You should be ashamed of yourself.” The judge subsequently sentenced him to 10 months in prison. Additionally, Causton was placed under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order that will remain in effect until 2031, restricting his contact with minors and monitoring his behavior. As part of the sentence, he was also ordered to pay a surcharge of £156.

Causton’s case highlights the ongoing dangers posed by individuals with a history of sexual offenses who continue to target vulnerable minors through online platforms. His arrest and conviction serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and the efforts of law enforcement and community groups in protecting children from exploitation.