NARBERTH MAN ROBERT DAYE CAUGHT IN SHOCKING ONLINE PAEDOPHILE PLOT IN NARBERTH AND SWANSEA

In August 2022, a disturbing case involving a Narberth man named Robert Daye came to light, revealing a disturbing pattern of online predatory behavior targeting young girls. The 63-year-old resident of Cold Blow, Narberth, was found to have engaged in inappropriate and illegal communications with what he believed to be underage girls, but in reality, he was interacting with undercover police officers and members of paedophile hunter groups actively working to catch offenders.

Daye's illicit activities began in August 2021 when he initiated contact with an online profile that he believed belonged to a 13-year-old girl. Over the course of two weeks, he exchanged numerous messages, which included highly inappropriate content, notably a photograph of his erect penis. During these exchanges, Daye explicitly expressed his desire to engage in sexual activities with the girl and even made disturbing comments about wanting to put her over his knee and spank her, revealing a clear predilection for underage victims.

Helen Randall, representing the Crown, stated that Daye also told the supposed child that he wanted to have sex with her. His conversations were deeply troubling, and his intentions were made clear through his messages. The police acted swiftly; on September 4, Daye was arrested after he responded with 'no comment' to all questions posed during his detention. Following his arrest, he was released on bail, but the investigation into his online activities was far from over.

In a disturbing turn of events earlier this summer, Daye resumed his online pursuits. This time, he believed he was communicating with three different 13-year-old girls. However, these profiles were actually operated by members of groups dedicated to monitoring and catching sex offenders. During these interactions, Daye discussed the girls' breasts, described the sexual acts he wished to perform, and again requested photographs of the girls in their school uniforms, demonstrating a continued pattern of predatory behavior.

On July 4, members of one of the paedophile hunter groups arranged to meet with Daye. When they confronted him at the designated location, they immediately called the police, leading to his arrest. The evidence collected from these interactions confirmed his intent and predatory mindset.

Representing Daye, his solicitor Dan Griffiths, acknowledged that his client had 'demonstrated an unhealthy interest in young girls,' highlighting the seriousness of his actions. During sentencing at Swansea Crown Court, Judge Geraint Walters condemned Daye for his audacity in continuing his offending even while under police investigation. Despite his guilty pleas, the judge imposed a sentence of 15 months in prison, suspended for two years. Additionally, Daye was ordered to complete a rehabilitation course and participate in the 'Maps for Change' sex offenders programme.

Furthermore, the court mandated that Daye would remain on the sex offender register for the next ten years and be subject to a sexual harm prevention order for the same duration. This case underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement and community groups in Narberth and Swansea to combat online child exploitation and protect vulnerable minors from predators.