A paedophile faced a panic attack in court as he was being sentenced for sending explicit videos to a person he believed to be a 12-year-old child. Kyle Attard, 30, from Cardiff, not only communicated with an undercover decoy account on Snapchat but also had inappropriate conversations with a supposed 15-year-old girl from the USA. During a hearing at Cardiff Crown Court, it was revealed that Attard sent graphic images and videos of himself masturbating to the decoy he believed to be a young girl. Additionally, when the police searched his residence, they discovered crack cocaine, indicating his involvement in drug supply activities.
The court learned that Attard initiated contact with an account posing as a 12-year-old girl named Emily, to which he sent explicit images and videos. He then proceeded to request inappropriate content from the decoy, despite being informed of her young age. Further investigation revealed that he engaged in similar conversations with another profile claiming to be a 15-year-old from the USA. These actions led to his arrest in February 2023 and the seizure of illegal drugs found at his home.
Upon pleading guilty to charges of attempting to incite a child and possession with intent to supply class A drugs, Attard explained his actions were driven by a longstanding drug addiction and resultant debts. His defence mentioned his mental health struggles, including anxiety and suicidal thoughts. Moreover, it was highlighted that Attard had experienced significant personal losses, such as the tragic murder of his uncle.
In light of the evidence presented, Judge Richard Kember sentenced Attard to four years and four months in prison, along with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. The court observed Attard’s vulnerability during the proceedings, noting his panic attack in court which required a brief adjournment. Despite this, the severity of his offences could not be overlooked, leading to the imposed sentence.
The case underscores the dangers of online grooming and the consequences of illegal drug involvement. The sentencing serves as a reminder of the critical need to protect vulnerable individuals, particularly children, from online predators and criminal activities.