LEVI JACKSON FROM CEFN MAWR ESCAPES JAIL AFTER PREDATOR PLOT IN WREXHAM

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Cefn Mawr and the wider Wrexham area, Levi Jackson, a 24-year-old man from Emmanuel Grove in Cefn Mawr, narrowly avoided a prison sentence after being convicted of serious predatory behavior involving a decoy set up by paedophile hunters.

Jackson appeared before Mold Crown Court on Thursday, January 7, facing multiple charges related to his attempts to engage in sexual activities with a minor. The charges included attempting to cause a girl to engage in sexual activity, attempting to induce a child to view sexual images, and attempting to communicate sexually with a minor.

Prosecutor Owen Edwards detailed the disturbing timeline of Jackson’s actions. Between May 24 and June 16 of the previous year, Jackson engaged in online communication with an individual he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. Unbeknownst to him, the girl was actually a decoy operated by a paedophile hunter group aiming to catch predators.

During their exchanges, Jackson quickly revealed his intentions. He expressed a desire to speak on the phone and made inappropriate comments, calling the girl “hot and sexy” and stating he “wanted to talk naughty.” He also inquired whether she had “seen a big c**k” and whether she wanted to see him “playing with his monster,” language that clearly indicated his sexual interest.

Further, Jackson offered a substantial sum of £1,000 to spend a weekend with the girl and instructed her to keep their plans secret. The court heard that on May 28, the messages became increasingly sexual, with Jackson requesting images and encouraging the girl to engage in sexual conversations. Despite being reminded of her age, Jackson continued to send explicit messages, including pictures of his genitals in June and urging her to discuss sexual topics.

On June 16, the situation culminated when volunteers from the paedophile hunter group arrived at Jackson’s residence. They live-streamed the confrontation on Facebook, and police officers also attended the scene. During police questioning, Jackson claimed that “it was not an offence to speak to a minor,” but when taken into custody, he refused to answer questions, replying only with “no comment.”

Defense lawyer Henry Hills described Jackson as an “immature individual” who accepts full responsibility for his actions and recognizes the shame he has brought upon himself and his family. Hills argued that Jackson could be “effectively managed in the community,” suggesting that a custodial sentence might not be necessary.

However, Judge Niclas Parry was unequivocal in his assessment. He stated that Jackson “chose to target someone he genuinely believed to be 14,” and accused him of attempting to groom the decoy by complimenting her appearance and encouraging her to keep their interactions secret. The judge emphasized that Jackson’s offer of money, although likely not genuine, was part of his manipulative behavior.

Judge Parry highlighted the seriousness of the case, noting that the communication had turned sexual and that the ease of access to young girls makes such offenses particularly troubling. He acknowledged that, in mitigation, there was no real victim and no harm was caused, but stressed that the court treats these matters with the utmost gravity.

In sentencing, the judge took into account Jackson’s apparent remorse and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which makes custodial sentences more burdensome. Jackson was sentenced to 16 months in prison, suspended for two years, and was ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid work along with participation in rehabilitation activities. Additionally, a sexual harm prevention order was imposed, along with notification requirements.

Judge Parry concluded with a note of cautious optimism, saying, “Take this chance. There is support as well as punishment,” emphasizing the importance of rehabilitation and the opportunity for Jackson to reform.