NEWPORT PAEDOPHILE GUILTY OF SENDING EXPLICIT MESSAGES TO DECOY TEEN
A paedophile identified as Nathaniel Bolwell, aged 30, of Linden Road in Newport, was involved in a disturbing case where he sent a video of himself masturbating to a person he believed was a 13-year-old girl.The individual was actually a decoy account operated by a paedophile hunter group.
Bolwell initially messaged 'Hi, how are you?' on February 18, then asked about her age, and when she replied 13, he responded with 'bye'.
Despite her stating her age, Bolwell resumed messaging in April, asking again how old she was.
He proceeded to send topless images of himself and photos exposing his anus, mentioned being 'naked' and 'horny', and requested explicit pictures from her, including her feet.
He expressed desires to 'smack her bottom' and indicated he couldn't wait until she turned 18, implying a sexual interest.
Bolwell also shared a picture of himself in his underwear with an erection and a video of masturbation.
The paedophile hunter group located and detained him in his car at an Asda in Pill, Newport, and contacted the police.
Arrested after presenting the message evidence, Bolwell refused to comment during police questioning but pleaded guilty to attempted sexual communication with a child.
He has no prior convictions.
The court recognized that Bolwell's actions stemmed from loneliness and boredom, and noted his immaturity following an assessment.
Addressing him directly, Recorder Paul Lewis KC highlighted that he continued messaging even after the girl revealed she was 13, indicating grooming intentions.
Bolwell was sentenced to a two-year community order requiring 100 hours of unpaid work, 26 sessions of an accredited program, and 10 days of rehabilitation.
He is also required to register as a sex offender for five years.
