Swansea man jailed after sending sexual messages to decoy account he believed was a child

Believed he was speaking to a child

Christopher Jones, 55, of Swansea’s SA1 Waterfront, exchanged explicit messages with an account he believed belonged to a girl under 16. In reality, the account was a decoy run by an independent online child protection team.

Jones pleaded guilty to attempting to incite a girl aged 13–15 to engage in sexual activity and attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.

He was sentenced to 28 months in prison.

Police response

Detective Constable Tim Davies of South Wales Police said Jones’s behaviour showed he posed a clear risk to children.

“Christopher Jones’s messages to the decoy account were abhorrent and it was clear that he believed he was speaking to a young teenager.

People like Christopher quite clearly pose a risk to the safety of children, and it is highly fortunate that the person on the other side of the conversation was a decoy rather than a real child.

He will no longer be able to pose that risk now that he is heading for prison.”

DC Davies added that there is “absolutely no defence, justification, or excuse for the horrific crime of child sexual abuse.”

Support for survivors

Police said they recognise how difficult it can be for survivors of sexual abuse to come forward, but stressed that victims will be listened to, treated with dignity and respect, and supported throughout the judicial process.

Anyone affected by sexual abuse who is not yet ready to report to police is encouraged to seek help from specialist support services.

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Youth ASB reports fall in Swansea’s SA1 after summer crackdown

From noisy nights to quieter streets

In recent summers, people living around the docks complained of large groups gathering, shouting late into the night, jumping into the water, throwing objects and riding bikes dangerously. Police say those problems have eased, with reports of anti‑social behaviour falling from 34 in 2022 to 29 this year — despite another warm summer. In August, just one incident was logged, compared with nine in 2022.

Two police officers take a selfie with local councillor Sam Bennett during summer patrols in SA1.
(Image: South Wales Police)A Police Community Support Officer looks out across Swansea Docks towards apartments and hotels.
(Image: South Wales Police)

Police and partners change tactics

South Wales Police credit the fall to a multi‑agency approach. Officers increased patrols in the docks and SA1, supported by Special Constables, and held regular “Cuppa with a Copper” sessions so residents could raise concerns face‑to‑face.

At the same time, diversionary activities were offered to young people. These included sports sessions run by Ospreys in the Community, the outreach arm of the region’s professional rugby team; day trips organised by EVOLVE, a youth engagement programme; and free tickets to the LC2 leisure centre.

Building confidence among residents

Police also worked with local businesses and apartment complexes to provide reassurance and encourage reporting through the South Wales Listens platform.

Inspector Andrew Price, South Wales Police, said: “Residents of SA1 should not have to put up with any level of anti‑social behaviour as they go about their daily business. It is pleasing to see that the data shows the operation is having a positive effect.”

PCSOs stand beside a bilingual banner at SA1 warning that anti‑social behaviour will not be tolerated.(Image: South Wales Police)

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