LEON OWEN PORTHMADOG GROOMING SCANDAL: FOUR YEARS IN PRISON FOR SEXUAL OFFENSES INVOLVING A SCHOOLGIRL

In a case that has shocked the community of Porthmadog and the wider Gwynedd region, a 37-year-old man named Leon Owen has been sentenced to four years in prison after being found guilty of grooming and manipulating a young girl before engaging in sexual activity with her. The incident, which took place in July 2020, has brought to light serious concerns about the safety and protection of minors in the area.

Leon Owen, who resides on Chapel Street in Porthmadog, was convicted of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl under the age of 16. The court heard that Owen had used manipulative tactics to groom the victim, gradually gaining her trust and exploiting her vulnerability. The judge, Nicola Jones, presiding over the case at Caernarfon Crown Court, described Owen’s attitude towards his offending as “extremely concerning,” highlighting a troubling lack of empathy for his victim.

As part of his sentencing, Owen was handed a sexual harm prevention order, which restricts his behavior and contact with minors. Additionally, he is required to register as a sex offender and will remain on the sex offenders register for the rest of his life. The court also noted that Owen, who previously lived in Barmouth, will be subject to an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, emphasizing the seriousness of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses.

During the proceedings, Owen’s defense lawyer, Elen Owen, stated that her client is now in a relationship with a woman who is fully aware of his criminal history. Despite this, the court emphasized the importance of safeguarding the community and protecting potential victims from future harm.

Judge Jones’s remarks underscored the gravity of the case, and the sentence reflects the court’s stance on such offenses. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need for robust measures to prevent grooming and sexual exploitation of minors in Gwynedd and beyond.