ABERTILLERY PAEDOPHILE IVOR GIFFORD, 92, SENTENCED AFTER ONLINE GROOMING PLOT IN BLAENAU GWENT

In a case that has shocked the community of Abertillery, Blaenau Gwent, a 92-year-old man named Ivor Gifford has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after being found guilty of engaging in online grooming activities targeting what he believed to be young girls aged 11 and 12. The incident unfolded in June 2017, when Gifford was caught attempting to communicate with what he thought were underage girls through internet chatrooms, only to be confronted by a paedophile hunting group known as 'The Hunted One.'

Gifford’s actions came to light after members of this vigilant group set up fake profiles, named 'Jessie' and 'Jodie,' to lure potential predators. These profiles were designed to simulate the online presence of young girls, and Gifford responded to them with persistent messages, despite being repeatedly told that the profiles belonged to minors. The group’s operation aimed to expose individuals seeking to exploit children, and they documented Gifford’s interactions extensively.

According to court proceedings, Gifford engaged in over 100 pages of chat logs, during which he sent explicit messages, described sexual acts, and even shared images of himself naked. He also asked the fake profiles to 'dress sexy' and expressed a desire to meet the girls in person. The chat logs revealed that Gifford was highly persistent, making multiple attempts to groom the profiles, which he believed belonged to young girls. His conduct was deemed highly inappropriate and dangerous by the court.

Gifford’s criminal activities culminated at Llanhilleth train station, where he had arranged to meet one of the profiles. Before he could carry out his intentions, he was confronted by members of 'The Hunted One,' who had been monitoring his online activity. The group’s representatives approached him at the station, and police were called to arrest him on the spot. Gifford was taken into custody and later appeared before Newport Crown Court.

During the trial, Judge Daniel Williams described Gifford as representing 'a high risk' to children. The court heard that Gifford expressed regret and embarrassment for his actions but emphasized that he had been without any family support since being remanded in custody in December 2016. The judge highlighted that, despite his age and physical health issues, Gifford’s mental state was sound and that his actions were deliberate.

In addition to his prison sentence, Gifford was subjected to a sexual harm prevention order that will last for ten years. This order will prohibit him from working with children or engaging in activities that could put minors at risk. The court’s decision underscores the seriousness with which the justice system treats online grooming and the protection of vulnerable minors from predatory behavior. The case serves as a stark reminder that age is no barrier to criminal intent, and that law enforcement and community groups are actively working to combat such threats in Blaenau Gwent and beyond.