Repeat sex offender jailed for cyberflashing and attacking teenager.

A repeat sex offender from Caerphilly has been jailed for 13 months after sexually assaulting a teenager and sending explicit content to a woman while on bail. Authorities warn cyberflashing is a serious crime with lasting impact on victims.

A 33-year-old man from Abercarn, Caerphilly, Ryan Thomas, has been sentenced to 13 months in prison following convictions for multiple sexual offences, including sexual assault and sending explicit content to another woman while on bail. Cardiff Crown Court handed down two separate custodial sentences: nine months for sexual assault and an additional four months for sending a video of his genitals for sexual gratification. In addition to imprisonment, Thomas faces a 10-year restraining order and a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, barring any contact with the victims involved.

Assault on a Teenager

The court heard that in April 2022, Thomas approached a 14-year-old girl and her friend outside a Morrisons supermarket in Caerphilly, offering to accompany them home, which they refused. Despite their refusal, he followed the girls to one of their residences. Outside her home, Thomas hugged the teenager and kissed her on the lips without consent. This incident formed the basis of the sexual assault conviction. During the proceedings, a victim impact statement revealed the lasting fear and anxiety experienced by the teenager, who reported feeling nervous while giving evidence.

Offence Committed While on Bail

While awaiting sentencing and released on bail, Thomas committed another offence in September 2025. He sent a woman a video of his genitals accompanied by sexually explicit messages. The victim reported severe distress, stating she no longer felt safe, had not slept through a single night since receiving the material, and was constantly on alert. The court acknowledged the significant impact this had on her well-being.

Previous Convictions and Risk Assessment

Evidence in court showed that Thomas had prior convictions in the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Republic of Ireland. Judge Matthew Porter-Bryant described his criminal record as appalling and highlighted Thomas's ingrained pattern of sexual offending. The judge determined that Thomas posed a very high risk of harm to children and the public at large.

Police Response and Cyberflashing Warning

Detective Superintendent Michelle Chaplin of Gwent Police described Thomas as a dangerous sexual predator. She emphasized that cyberflashing is a serious criminal offence with lasting consequences for victims and warned against dismissing it as a joke. Investigations indicate that such offences can escalate to more serious sexual or violent crimes. This case marked the first conviction for cyberflashing in the Gwent area. Authorities stressed that perpetrators cannot hide behind digital platforms.

Legal Framework for Cyberflashing

The offence of cyberflashing was introduced under the Online Safety Act 2023, coming into effect in England and Wales on 31 January 2024. The law criminalizes sending, showing, or causing someone to receive unsolicited explicit images of genitals, with intent to cause distress, alarm, humiliation, or obtain sexual gratification.

Sources:

• BBC News
• The Guardian
• Wales Online
• Serial sex offender locked-up for cyberflashing and assaulting teen