ABERTILLERY MAN RHYS JELLY ESCAPES JAIL AFTER SENDING SEXUALLY EXPLICIT MESSAGES TO 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL

In a case that has shocked the community of Abertillery, Rhys Jelly, aged 25, narrowly avoided imprisonment after engaging in disturbing online communications with a young girl. The incident, which took place between November 2018 and January 2019, involved Jelly creating a false Facebook profile under the guise of an 18-year-old male. Using the alias, he initiated contact with a girl who was only 13 years old at the time, exploiting social media to target a vulnerable minor.

According to court proceedings, the messages came to light only after the girl’s phone was confiscated by authorities following an unrelated bullying incident. The police investigation revealed that Jelly was fully aware of the girl’s underage status during their exchanges. Prosecutor Andrew Kendall told Cardiff Crown Court that Jelly inquired about her age, to which she responded that she was 14, although she was actually just 13. Despite this, Jelly continued to pursue the conversation, asking about her appearance and sending her photographs.

The court heard that Jelly also asked whether she was single and even suggested meeting in a hot tub, indicating a disturbing level of predatory intent. Further, he inappropriately discussed her underwear and propositioned her with offers of money, prompting her to ask what he wanted her to do. Jelly then described a sexual act, further demonstrating his inappropriate and illegal behavior.

Judge Catherine Richards addressed Jelly directly during the sentencing, condemning his actions. She stated, “You didn’t know how vulnerable she was. You didn’t care. You used her for your own gratification. Teenage girls should be able to use the internet without having to worry about predators like you. Your behaviour is incomprehensible when you have a daughter of your own.”

Jelly pleaded guilty to charges of causing or inciting a girl under 16 to engage in sexual activity, specifically without penetration, while over 18. Despite the severity of his actions, the judge sentenced him to eight months in prison, but this sentence was suspended for two years, meaning he would not serve time unless he reoffends within that period.

In addition to the suspended sentence, Judge Richards ordered Jelly to participate in the Horizon Programme, a scheme aimed at preventing re-offending among sex offenders. He was also required to complete 36 days of rehabilitation activities and perform 100 hours of unpaid community service. Furthermore, Jelly was mandated to register as a sex offender for the next ten years and was subject to a sexual harm prevention order for the same duration. As part of the court’s financial sanctions, he was also ordered to pay a surcharge of £140.