JASON HOWELLS

PAEDOPHILE CAUGHT RED-HANDED OUTSIDE WALES TOBY CARVERY

A PAEDOPHILE was caught in Newport sending “sinister” sexualised messages to a child he believed was a 15-year-old schoolgirl.

Jason Howells, 53, from Pontypool told her “you are gorgeous and have stunning eyes” after meeting her online.

He was being entrapped in a sting operation set up by paedophile hunters who used a decoy.

He was confronted by South West Predator Hunters outside Toby Carvery on Chepstow Road in Newport on Saturday, October 4, and arrested when police were called.

The Newport Crown Court heard Howells’ profile picture was that of an erect penis and he had sent the “girl” a photograph of a topless woman.

Howells had written to the girl: “You are my beautiful little angel.

When I saw you, I wanted you so bad.” He asked her if she wanted to discuss “sexual stuff” and send him “intimate pictures” of herself.

He pleaded guilty to attempting to sexually communicate with a child under 16.

It was revealed Howells had two non-relevant previous convictions.

His lawyer stated he made no attempt to meet the “girl” and believed he was talking to an adult.

As a consequence of his conviction, Howells has lost his job, home, and relationship, and had been living in a tent.

His family no longer wants contact.

Judge Matthew Porter-Bryant sentenced Howells to six months in jail, suspended for 18 months.

He must complete a 15-day rehabilitation requirement, pay a £187 victim surcharge, register as a sex offender for seven years, and stay under a sexual harm prevention order for the same period.