An Ebbw Vale Paedophile Joel Gillard coerced underage girls, ranging from nine to 14 years old, into engaging in self-directed sexual activities online while simultaneously recording the actions.
Joel Gillard, a 30-year-old resident of Ebbw Vale, employed social media sites such as Instagram to engage in abusive behaviour towards six schoolgirls located throughout the United Kingdom, including two from York.
Joel Gillard engaged in the process of grooming his victims while under the influence of alcohol and drugs while residing in a van located on a mountainside.
Joel Gillard assumed the identity of a 15-year-old male named Josh and would challenge the girls to engage in increasingly explicit actions, treating it as a game.
Specific individuals were coerced through blackmail into complying with instructions.
A judge sentenced the “intelligent” cyber security specialist to nearly ten years in prison, emphasising that he had no boundaries.
She stated that he had sexual arousal from the control he had over the helpless teenage schoolgirls.
Upon the police’s arrival, the nine-year-old victim was engaged in playing with toys and engaging in the activity of colouring pictures.
The detectives had to abruptly end their chat with her when they broached the topic of Joel Gillard, as she began to cry uncontrollably.
Gareth James, the prosecutor, said Cardiff Crown Court that the parents of two girls in North Yorkshire filed complaints with the police before Joel Gillard was located in Gwent.
The individual stated that law enforcement officers found screen recordings which revealed that the accused utilised social media profiles to interact with underage females.
“He was assuming the identity of a teenage boy and engaging in sexually explicit conversations with underage girls.”
“The defendant compelled them to engage in sexual acts on themselves, which included penetration.”
Mr James stated that grooming behaviour was employed to exploit the victims.
“These crimes were meticulously premeditated, involving the recording and storage of explicit sexual images. Additionally, in each instance, there is a notable age difference between the parties involved.”
Joel Gillard pleaded guilty to six charges of inducing a minor to participate in sexual activities and one charge each of exposing a child to a sexual act and engaging in sexual communication with a kid.
In addition, he admitted guilt for three counts of producing a pornographic photograph involving a minor.
Joel Gillard possessed 313 photographs classified as Category A, which are the most severe, along with 88 Category B images and 101 Category C images.
The defendant also admitted to possessing eight explicit photographs depicting bestiality.
He had no prior criminal records.
Jeffrey Jones, acting on behalf of Joel Gillard, stated: “The defendant experiences a profound sense of revulsion towards himself.”
“He shares the feelings of understanding and compassion with the victims and their families.”
Joel Gillard is diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder and experiences challenges in forming social connections.
Mr. Jones stated that the individual has parents who are present in court and provide assistance.
“They engage in the action of scratching their heads.” They are feeling unfortunate and hopeless.
Judge Lucy Crowther informed Joel Gillard that she had no boundaries or restrictions.
“You acknowledged that your actions were completely incorrect, yet you continued.”
The defendant received a prolonged incarceration term of nine years and eight months.
Joel Gillard must serve a minimum of two-thirds of a prison sentence of six years and eight months before becoming eligible for parole.
Upon his release, he must adhere to a three-year licensing period.
Joel Gillard has been ordered to register as a sex offender for an unlimited period. Additionally, they have been subjected to a sexual harm prevention order that will remain in effect for 25 years.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 101 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.