Shotton man jailed for child sex offences
A 22-year-old man from Shotton has been jailed for sexually assaulting a child and making indecent images of children.
Owen Addleton of Chester Road West admitted three counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child and four counts of making indecent images of a child.
He was sentenced to three and a half years in prison at Mold Crown Court today, Monday 1 December.
North Wales Police began investigating Addleton in March 2024 after a school reported that a pupil had disclosed she was in a relationship with him after learning his true age.
It later emerged that Addleton had been in a sexual relationship with the child and had told her he was 16 years old.
The pair had met on Snapchat after Addleton added the victim, where he asked her for nude images.
When officers arrested him, digital examinations found more than 100 indecent images of the most serious category on his devices, including some of children as young as two.
More than 2,000 files showing a sexual interest in children were also discovered, along with a large collection of images of schoolgirls in uniform and an online search about how to hide storage from police.
Despite bail conditions preventing any contact with the victim, Addleton continued to message her.
Police say he gave her another phone after hers had been taken for examination.
He was charged and later remanded into custody.
Addleton must now register as a sex offender for life and is subject to an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.
Two ten-year restraining orders have also been imposed to protect the victims.
Investigating officer, Civilian Investigator Ann Parry said: “Owen Addleton had a clear interest in schoolgirls, using social media to target his victims.
“He was manipulative and took no responsibility for his offending as he continued to contact one of the victims in breach of his bail conditions, providing her with another phone after hers was taken away for examination, to ensure he could continue contact.
“This case highlights just how important it is for children and their parents to know exactly who they are speaking to online, and the dangers of social media.
“I commend the bravery of the victims and their families for having the courage to come forward to give their accounts.
“We will leave no stone unturned when investigating those who seek to do harm to vulnerable members of our society.”
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