EXTREME RISK Christopher Flavin, a 72-year-old sex offender from Tenby, has been sentenced to 15 years in jail for grooming and sexually assaulting young boys, as well as for producing indecent photos of youngsters.
Christopher Flavin, characterised by His Honour Judge Geraint Walters as a “dangerous paedophile,” [Editor’s Note: as opposed to…] confessed in October to the production of 12 Category B and 296 Category C indecent photos of children between 2018 to 2023.
On Friday (Dec 6) at Swansea Crown Court, the prosecution, led by Mr Scapens described Christopher Flavin as “nothing but a committed paedophile,” [Editor’s Note: again, as opposed to…]detailing the lengths to which he went to exploit his victims, many of whom were young boys aged between 10 and 16.
The court heard a personal statement from a complainant, under 13, who detailed the psychological trauma he has endured. “In the past few months, I have had feelings of sadness, which makes me cry. I have also been having nightmares and don’t want to leave the room at night.”
Despite the overwhelming evidence against him, Christopher Flavin attempted to deflect responsibility during proceedings. He represented himself after failing to secure legal counsel and claimed that the complainant had instigated inappropriate behaviours, stating, “He needs help with his mental health.
He was obsessed with masturbation and sex.” Such assertions were dismissed by the court, with Judge Walters highlighting the “manipulative” nature of Flavin’s abuse.
The prosecution revealed that Christopher Flavin had groomed young boys, forcing them into sexual activities on school premises and targeting children. In addition to inappropriate touching during swimming lessons, he sought to isolate his victims by arranging camping trips.
Further evidence presented during the hearing revealed Christopher Flavin’s continuous breaches of a sexual harm order. He was observed in a park designated for children and around a local high school, raising significant concerns about his behaviour. Christopher Flavin’s refusal to engage with court proceedings, including prison video links, proved his lack of remorse for his actions.
His Honour Judge Geraint Walters condemned Christopher Flavin’s predatory behaviour, remarking on the disturbing pattern of grooming and abuse that had characterised his life. “You have spent a lifetime grooming and abusing boys, even at this age.
I heard that the victim has been having nightmares about it all and refusing to leave his bedroom at night. That is the effect on young impressionable children. It’s wicked behaviour, and it’s not the first time you engaged in this,” he said.
Christopher Flavin’s extensive criminal record revealed 33 prior offences, 27 of which were sexual in nature. Judge Geraint Walters noted that despite previous long sentences, including one exceeding 50 months, Christopher Flavin had “learnt nothing” and continued his abusive behaviour. “You claimed that you’re the victim. The reality is you’re committed to behaving in this way,”
In addition to the 15 year prison sentence, the judge imposed an indefinite restraining order to protect the victim. Judge Walters concluded, ordering the sentence as a measure to prevent further harm to vulnerable children.
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