Hubert man jailed for grooming Welsh girl
A man from Hubert, North Carolina, has been sentenced to over seven years in prison after flying to Wales with the intention of marrying a teenage girl he had groomed online, according to BBC.com.
Jacob Ewing, 44, initiated contact with the 15-year-old girl from Gwent, Wales, through a random video chat website. Posing as a “paedophile hunter” and a Christian, he manipulated the teenager over several months, coercing her into performing degrading acts on camera and exerting control over her daily life. Ewing’s behavior included instructing her on what to wear and monitoring her sleep via webcam.
As the girl approached her 16th birthday, Ewing traveled to the UK, bringing with him wedding rings, a knife, a wooden cosh, and electronic devices containing indecent images, including one of a baby being raped. He was intercepted at Cardiff Airport by UK Border Force officers, acting on intelligence from U.S. authorities.
At Newport Crown Court, Ewing pleaded guilty to 13 offenses, including causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. Judge Celia Hughes sentenced him to seven years and eight months in prison. The judge noted Ewing’s lack of remorse and his attempts to portray himself as a victim.
The victim’s personal statement revealed the psychological toll of the abuse, including sleep disturbances, suicidal thoughts, and lasting fear. Her mother also described the family’s devastation and the ongoing stress resulting from Ewing’s actions.
Detective Superintendent Philip O’Connell of Gwent Police commended the victim’s courage and the collaborative efforts between U.S. and UK agencies that led to Ewing’s arrest.
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