A DANGEROUS paedophile who targeted two children has received an extended sentence.

Richard Parry, of Penysarn on Anglesey, appeared for sentence at Caernarfon Crown Court on Tuesday morning.

The 24-year-old, who appeared via video link from HMP Berwyn, had pleaded guilty at a previous hearing to one count of sexual assault of a child under 13, four counts of causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in a sexual act and one of sexual communication with a child.

Ember-Jade Wong, prosecuting, told the court that in the latter half of 2023, a woman in the north of England went to the police after finding sexually graphic messages on the mobile phone of her young daughter.

When the messages were investigated, it was found that Parry had been the sender - and he'd encouraged the young girl to engage in numerous sexual acts.

During the conversation, Parry pretended to be an 11-year-old boy.

The sexual assault charge related to Parry's actions towards a different child, the court heard.

Parry listened with his head bowed as the details of his crimes were read to the court.

In interview, the court heard, the defendant admitted he'd had sexual feelings and inappropriate thoughts towards female children since he was 12.

He accepted he'd pretended to be a child himself in the conversations with the girl.

Ms Wong read from a statement provided by the young girl's mother, in which she said the victim's childhood had been "erased" by Parry.

"Regarding the perpetrator of this revolting behaviour," the mum said, "We hope his sentence reflects the pain he has inflicted."

Dafydd Roberts, defending, told the court: "Clearly there can only be one sentence here - it has to be a lengthy sentence of imprisonment.

"The first and probably by far the best point I can make on his behalf is his guilty plea which followed admissions in interview."

Mr Roberts asked the court to take into account his client's "relative young age," adding: "The contents of his psychiatric report suggest there's been limited development and maturation.

"His chronological age isn't reflective of his actual functioning age.

"This is his first experience of custody and he's not found it easy - he's not supposed to, but it's been difficult for him bearing in mind the charges he's pleaded guilty to and his difficulties with his mental health."

Judge Nicola Saffman told the defendant: "There are clear elements of degradation and humiliation in what you instigated.

"In your pre-sentence report, there are elements of you blaming [the girl], saying she was the one asking you to do things.

"Frankly, that's utter nonsense. You started this conduct and sexualised a young girl.

"There is a psychiatric report showing you have traits of a personality disorder.

"I am satisfied that there is a significant risk you will commit further specified offences based on the doctor's report that you have a paedophile disorder which won't stop unless treated.

"It's inevitable, give your predilection to children.

"I am satisfied that you're dangerous and I do consider it necessary to impose an extended sentence."

As such, the Judge imposed a 12-year extended sentence; nine years of which is a custodial element and three years of which consists of an extended licence.

Parry must serve at least two-thirds of the custodial part before being assessed for release on licence by the parole board.

If he is released at the two-thirds point of the custodial element, he must serve the rest of it on licence, then the additional three year extension on licence.

An indefinite restraining order was made to protect both child victims and their families.

Parry was made the subject of notification requirements and a sexual harm prevention order for life.

These seek to regulate his contact with any child, requiring consent from a parent or guardian who has knowledge of his convictions - as well as ensuring transparency with regard to his internet use on release.