Paedophile caught after teacher saw teen’s images
AMAN in his 30s convinced a vulnerable teenage girl to record images of herself performing a sex act before sending it to him.
David Rainbow, of Coytrahen, Bridgend, asked the young girl for naked videos and photos - and also sent her images of his genitals.
The 36-year-old’s crimes only came to light when the girl’s teacher saw one of the pictures on her phone during school time.
Rainbow denied all the allegations against him, but was found guilty of six sexual offences by a jury earlier this month.
Judge Richard Twomlow told a sentencing hearing at Newport Crown Court yesterday that Rainbow had shown no remorse during his trial and took no responsibility for his crimes.
Rainbow told “a number of lies” which he said the jury had “understandably” rejected.
Judge Twomlow said matters only came to light when a teacher at the teenager’s school saw a photograph on her phone that caused her concern.
Police officers eventually found evidence of sexual communication between Rainbow and the young girl.
On one occasion Mr Twomlow said Rainbow had asked the girl to perform a sex act on herself and send recorded images to him.
He also received photographs of her genitals and sent pictures of his genitals to her.
Judge Twomlow called the offences a “systematic attempt to groom” the young girl.
Prosecutor Harry Baker read a short extract from a victim impact statement to the court.
It read: “The incident with David has made me feel sad and scared.
“I’m scared of David. I haven’t been sleeping tidy.”
Andrew Davies, defending, said his client did not have any previous convictions for sexual offences.
He also argued Rainbow’s crimes occurred “within a certain context that is unlikely to arise again” and he was therefore not at significant risk of reoffending.
Rainbow, of Heol Cefn Ydfa, Coytrahen, Bridgend, denied one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, two counts of possession of indecent images of a child, and three counts of sexual communication with a child.
However, following a trial at Cardiff Crown Court, Rainbow was found guilty of all six offences.
Judge Twomlow said Rainbow’s behaviour had a “significant effect” on the victim in the case.
And while there was “no personal physical contact” between Rainbow and his victim, the judge said his offending was only stopped by a teacher raising the alarm.
Rainbow was handed a five-year prison sentence. He will be on the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely and also made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order.
Speaking after the hearing, South Wales Police Detective Constable Louise Reynolds, paid tribute to the girl for her bravery in coming forward with more information after the images were discovered.
She said: “I am so pleased that David Rainbow has been brought to justice for his appalling crimes and that he is now behind bars where he belongs and where he will remain for a long time.
“This result was only possible due to the bravery of the individual concerned. She showed enormous courage in helping us throughout the investigation.
“I cannot imagine how difficult it must be to come forward to report such appalling crimes, but I hope sentences such as these prove to victims that they will be believed and that there is a whole range of support out there, not only from the police but from partner agencies who can help you through the entire process.
“Survivors of abuse by predators like Rainbow deserve to see them brought to justice and we are determined to do all we can to help them.”