Child sex offender sentenced

A 58-year-old man has appeared at Swansea Crown Court today (Wednesday December 11) charged with child sex offences including attempting to arrange or facilitate the commission of a child sex offence, an adult attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and breaching a sexual harm prevention order

David Parton from Penarth was arrested in October after arranging to meet a child under 13 following conversations held on-line.  He has been sent to prison for six years.

He will then have to serve a further four years on license as he has been classed as a dangerous offender bringing the total sentence to 10 years. He also has a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will be classed as a sex offender for life. 

The investigation, which was carried out by Tarian, the Regional Organised Crime Unit for southern Wales, identified Parton as targeting children in southern Wales and enticing a child to commit sexual acts. 

Detective Constable Isaac Gott from Tarian, said:

“As a result of the complex and thorough investigation by detectives from Tarian, Parton had little option but to enter his guilty plea to the charges placed before him

“David Parton is one of the most dangerous offenders I have come across. He is a man who poses an extreme risk to children. He began grooming who he believed to be a child under the age of 13 on September 26, 2024, and during this time, incited them to engage in penetrative sexual activity.

“The communication developed, and the defendant was intent on using spanking implements on the child whilst also discussing the use of condoms. On October 11 the defendant travelled to meet the child in South Wales where he was met by detectives from Tarian and officers from South Wales Police and immediately arrested.

“Officers searched his vehicle and located lubricant, condoms and sildenafil which is commonly sold under the brand name Viagra. The search also revealed a whip, hairbrush, and belt which the defendant had referred to as using on the child. It was clear he intended to sexually abuse this child with penetrative sexual activity.

“As a result of the swift and precise investigation by Tarian, Parton was charged the same day as his arrest and remanded to Court.

“He is now behind bars where he can no longer pose a risk to children. I hope that this serves as a warning to anyone who is intent on abusing children. We will use every available resource to find you and ensure you have your day in court.

“Tackling online child sexual exploitation is a national priority for law enforcement and we are pursuing more offenders and safeguarding more children than ever before.”

Anyone who is concerned about the online activity of their child should contact the police on 101 and report any suspicious behaviour and activity.