Swansea Student Believed He Was Messaging a 13-Year-Old

A Swansea medical student who engaged in sexual conversations with someone he believed to be a 13‑year‑old boy has been sentenced after being caught by an undercover police operation.

Floyd Powell, 36, had been studying to become a physician associate and holds a PhD in cancer therapeutics. Swansea Crown Court heard that his conviction will have a “catastrophic” impact on his career prospects in medical research or the NHS.

Undercover officer posed as a teenage boy

Prosecutor Abul Hussain told the court that in April 2023 Powell contacted what he thought was a 13‑year‑old boy on the social networking platform Hornet. The profile was in fact a decoy account run by an online policing team.

The pair later moved their conversations to Snapchat, where Powell:

- Said he was “looking for fun”  

- Commented on the boy’s body  

- Asked for “sexy” pictures  

- Asked when they were going to have sex  

When the decoy stated he was 13, Powell replied that he was “cool” with the age.

Arrest and interview

Powell was arrested in October 2023. Officers seized two phones and a tablet. He admitted the Hornet profile was his but gave “no comment” answers when asked about the messages. He denied having any sexual interest in children.

Powell, of St Mary’s Square in Swansea city centre, later pleaded guilty to attempted sexual communication with a child. He has no previous convictions.

Defence: Stress and “curiosity”

Defence barrister James McKenna said Powell was highly academically qualified and had been under significant stress from his studies. He suggested Powell’s actions were linked to “curiosity” about his sexuality.

He told the court:

> “Whatever sentence the court imposes, the conviction alone is catastrophic for his career.”

Judge: “The usual sad tale”

Judge Geraint Walters said the case was another example of an adult engaging in sexual conversations with a decoy believing they were speaking to a real child.

He criticised the length of time it had taken for the case to reach court, saying the delay would be reflected in the sentence.

Community sentence imposed

Powell was handed an 18‑month community order, which includes:

- A rehabilitation programme  

- 150 hours of unpaid work  

He will also be:

- On the sex offender register for five years  

- Subject to a five‑year Sexual Harm Prevention Order