Man Jailed After Sending Sexual Messages to Nine‑Year‑Old Boy

A 28‑year‑old man who sent sexualised messages to a nine‑year‑old boy and asked him to be his boyfriend has been jailed for 12 months.

Thomas Serpell, of Regent Street, Aberaman, Aberdare, sent a series of disturbing texts to the child, asking him to kiss him, see him naked, and “be his boyfriend”. Cardiff Crown Court heard the messages left the boy “confused and uncomfortable”.

Serpell then told the child to delete the messages and not to tell his mother, allowing him to hide what he had done. He later claimed the messages were a “joke”.

When the matter was reported to police, Serpell initially denied sending any messages at all.

Judge Paul Hobson told Serpell the impact on the child had been “significant”.

> “You only have to think how frightening and disturbing this episode must have been for that child,” he said.

A victim personal statement read in court described how the boy is now scared to go out alone, struggles to eat and sleep, and has become increasingly isolated. The court also heard there have been concerns about self‑harm.

Defendant claimed seizure caused behaviour

Serpell pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual communication with a child. The court heard he had no previous convictions.

His barrister, Nick Gedge, said Serpell has epilepsy and claimed the offence took place shortly after a seizure. He also said his client had been bullied in school and by his father because of his sexuality.

Judge Hobson rejected the suggestion that epilepsy played any part in the offending.

> “Epilepsy does not cause people to sexually offend against children,” he said.  

> “You have sought to minimise your behaviour.”

Jailed and placed under long‑term restrictions

Serpell was sentenced to 12 months in prison. He was also made subject to:

- A 10‑year restraining order  

- A 10‑year Sexual Harm Prevention Order  

- 10 years on the sex offender register