Offender Sentenced for Sexual Assault and Cyberflashing
A "high risk" repeat sexual offender has been sentenced to 13 months in prison for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and sending an explicit video to another woman.
Ryan Thomas, 33, from Abercarn, Caerphilly, followed and kissed a teenager outside her home without her consent.
After being found guilty of sexual assault and while out on bail awaiting sentencing, Thomas sent a video of his genitals to a separate woman.
Judge Matthew Porter-Bryant described Thomas's record as "appalling" and noted his "ingrained inclination towards sexual offending."
Details of the Sexual Assault
At Cardiff Crown Court, it was revealed that in April 2022, Thomas approached a 14-year-old girl and her friend outside Morrison's supermarket in Caerphilly, offering to walk them home. They declined, but Thomas followed them regardless. Outside the girl's home, he hugged her and then kissed her on the lips without her consent.
A victim impact statement from the teenager was read in court, expressing that she remains "scared" of Thomas and that giving evidence caused her to feel "nervous and anxious."
Cyberflashing Incident While on Bail
Following his conviction for sexual assault, Thomas committed a second offence, commonly known as cyberflashing, in September 2025 while on bail awaiting sentencing.
He sent a woman a video of his genitals along with other sexually explicit messages. The court heard these actions caused the victim to "no longer feel safe and secure."
The victim reported she has "not slept through a single night" since the incident and is "constantly looking over" her shoulder.
Previous Convictions and Risk Assessment
Thomas has prior convictions in the UK, Australia, and the Republic of Ireland.
The judge stated it was evident that Thomas poses a "very high risk of harm to children and very high risk to the public."
Sentencing and Orders
Thomas received a nine-month sentence for the sexual assault and an additional four months for exposure by sending a film of a person's genitals for sexual gratification.
He was also issued a ten-year restraining order prohibiting contact with his victims and a sexual harm prevention order lasting ten years.
Police Statement on Cyberflashing
Detective Superintendent Michelle Chaplin of Gwent Police described Thomas as a "dangerous sexual predator."
"Cyberflashing is a serious crime which leaves a lasting impact on victims. It is not and should not be dismissed as 'banter' or a thoughtless joke,"
she said, noting that a recent inquiry indicates a "strong link between these types of offences and a potential escalation towards serious sexual/violent offences."
"Ryan Thomas is the first conviction for cyberflashing in Gwent, and I hope today's sentencing sends a clear message that cyberflashing is a serious offence and that perpetrators cannot hide behind a screen,"
she added.
Legal Context for Cyberflashing
The law addressing cyberflashing was introduced under the Online Safety Act 2023, with criminal provisions effective in England and Wales from 31 January 2024.
This legislation covers the act of sending, showing, or causing someone to receive unwanted explicit images of genitals with the intent to cause distress, alarm, humiliation, or for sexual gratification.
