NICHOLAS STUBLEY FROM DENBIGH AND SHREWSBURY SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES IN CRACKDOWN ON ONLINE PREDATORS

In a significant case highlighting the dangers of online grooming, Nicholas Anthony Stubley, a 51-year-old man with connections to Denbigh and Shrewsbury, has been sentenced to four years in prison after being caught attempting to engage in sexual activity with a minor through an undercover police operation.

Stubley's arrest followed an elaborate sting operation conducted by law enforcement officers, who posed as a 12-year-old girl online. During the course of their online interactions, Stubley exchanged numerous messages with the undercover officer, expressing a desire to meet the girl in person for sexual purposes. The police revealed that Stubley was actively preparing to travel, with plans to book a hotel room in order to carry out the illicit meeting.

The case was brought before Caernarfon Crown Court, where it was established that Stubley had been communicating with the undercover officer with the intent to commit sexual acts. The court heard that in August of the previous year, Stubley, who was then without a fixed address but previously residing in Denbigh and Shrewsbury, was caught in the act of attempting to arrange a meeting for sexual activity with a minor.

Following a trial last month, a jury found Stubley guilty of attempting to engage a child in sexual activity. Judge Niclas Parry, presiding over the case, emphasized the serious nature of the offense and the risks posed by the internet to children. In his sentencing remarks, the judge stated that Stubley's actions represented a dangerous escalation in his offending behavior.

Judge Parry also noted that Stubley would be subject to an extended licence period of two years upon his release from prison, reflecting the ongoing risk he poses. The prosecution, led by Simon Rogers, revealed that Stubley had previously admitted to charges related to the downloading and distribution of indecent images of children, as well as breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).

It was disclosed that Stubley had been imprisoned for 21 months in 2010 after admitting to making indecent images of children aged between four and 13. Despite this prior conviction and the restrictions imposed by the SHPO, Stubley continued to engage in illegal activities, including exchanging sexually explicit messages on social media with the undercover officer.

Judge Parry expressed concern that Stubley's actions demonstrated a clear risk to children, stating, "While you were the subject of an order made for the protection of children, you began exchanging messages on social media. Some of these messages were lengthy and sexually explicit, and you intended to meet with this 12-year-old girl for sexual activity. This is an escalation in the seriousness of your offending."

Although the court acknowledged that no actual victim was harmed in this case, the gravity of Stubley's intentions and actions was enough to warrant a substantial custodial sentence. As part of his ongoing legal obligations, Stubley's name and details will be entered onto the Sexual Offenders Register for life. Additionally, upon his release, he will be required to adhere to the conditions of an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order, aimed at safeguarding the community from any further risk he might pose.