JAMIE BARTLETT AND SHOCKING CHILD SEX OFFENCES IN ABERDARE

Jamie Bartlett, a 46-year-old man from Aberdare, became the focus of a serious criminal investigation after engaging in a disturbing online conversation with an undercover police officer. Over the course of two days in October 2021, Bartlett believed he was communicating with a father who was seeking to arrange a sexual encounter with his seven-year-old daughter, named 'Lolly'. In reality, the individual he was speaking with was an undercover officer posing as the child's father.

During these exchanges, Bartlett, who used the pseudonym 'LoveTeenCuties', revealed a disturbing history, claiming he had previously engaged in sexual activity with an eight-year-old girl. He expressed a strong desire to pursue similar acts, stating explicitly, 'I really hope it's not a fantasy mate, I'm really up for it.' His comments and intentions were deeply alarming and demonstrated a clear predilection for prepubescent children.

The conversation, which was scrutinized during a sentencing hearing at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court, revealed Bartlett's explicit interest in exploiting a young girl. The 'father' figure in the chat described Lolly as a seven-year-old girl, and Bartlett responded enthusiastically, saying, 'Mate, that's perfect to be honest, tell me more about her.' When asked about his preferences, Bartlett admitted to being interested in 'sniffing, perving, a bit of touching.' The fictitious 'father' then proposed arranging a 'play date' with Lolly, to which Bartlett responded with shock and curiosity, asking, 'Oh yes, oh my God. What are the rules?' The officer explained that the meeting would require cash payment, driving to Bartlett's flat, and bringing along a toy, condoms, and lube.

Bartlett openly discussed what he wanted to do with Lolly, stating he was interested in 'touching her bum and p****, kissing her.' When questioned about his past actions, he admitted to having engaged in similar conduct before, saying, 'Yeah but she was eight LOL.' He further expressed his hope that his fantasies were not just that, saying, 'I really hope it's not a fantasy mate, I'm really up for it.' Bartlett also inquired about whether the girl could take certain sexual acts, asking, 'Is she ok taking c*** in her p**** because I'm not small.'

The conversation progressed to planning, with Bartlett asking if Lolly could wear her school uniform during the meeting. However, when the police attempted to follow up and arrange a meeting place, Bartlett ceased communication and did not respond to subsequent messages.

Law enforcement officials acted swiftly when Bartlett failed to appear at his home on January 18, 2022. Officers visited his residence on Monk Street but found him absent. They then spoke with his partner and later located him at his workplace, where he was arrested. During the search of his belongings, police seized his mobile phone, which contained indecent images of children and extreme pornography.

In police interviews, Bartlett admitted to having a sexual interest in children but insisted he had no intention of acting on these urges. He claimed that he believed the conversation with the undercover officer was purely a 'fantasy' and that he had ended the dialogue once he realized the other person was serious.

Following a trial, Bartlett was convicted of attempting to arrange or facilitate sexual activity with a child. He had previously pleaded guilty to possessing indecent and extreme images. The court acknowledged that Bartlett was of previously good character, which was considered during sentencing.

During mitigation, his defense lawyer, John Ryan, described Bartlett as a 'lonely and inadequate person' who had succumbed to his fantasies. Ryan highlighted that Bartlett had been described by family members as 'kind and loving' and that he had provided assistance to his mother, who had suffered strokes and seizures. Since his arrest, Bartlett had been engaging with the organization Stop It Now, which aims to help individuals understand the harm caused by such offenses.

Judge Lucy Crowther delivered the sentence, stating, 'You admitted this conversation took place and said it was all fantasy. You admitted you had an interest in children but had no intention of carrying it out. The jury rejected your explanation.' Bartlett was sentenced to a total of three years and three months in prison. Additionally, he was ordered to be subject to indefinite sex offender notification requirements. A separate hearing will determine the specifics of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order in the near future.