Jean Cardelli

Jean Cardelli, a 39-year-old Italian national residing in Spain, was sentenced at Newport Crown Court on 30 January 2023 to a total of six years and eight months imprisonment for engaging in sexual activity with a child. The case, investigated by South Wales Police, came to light in September 2022 when the victim's mother raised concerns about her 15-year-old daughter being exploited by an older man.

Cardelli first encountered the victim while she was on holiday in Spain. Following this initial meeting, he began grooming her online, building a relationship that led him to travel to the UK specifically to meet her. Upon arriving in Cardiff, Cardelli arranged an Airbnb accommodation where he met the teenager and engaged in sexual activity with her on numerous occasions. During these encounters, he filmed the offences, which later served as key evidence in the investigation.

Authorities traced Cardelli to an address in north Cardiff, where he was arrested. Further examination of his mobile phone, seized while he was in custody, provided breakthrough evidence that strengthened the case. Cardelli entered a guilty plea to four counts of sexual activity with a child and three counts of possession of indecent images of children.

Detective Constable Simon Thomas, the investigating officer from South Wales Police, commented on the case: 'This was a challenging investigation and I want to pay tribute to the victim for her courage in supporting the investigation. Breakthrough evidence was secured from Cardelli’s mobile phone while he was in custody. After charge we continued to engage with and support the victim. She allowed the investigators access to her private Snapchat account which had a considerable impact on the outcome of the investigation. Clearly Cardelli is a dangerous individual, and I am pleased that we were able to secure a conviction for the victim and her family.' The conviction underscores the dangers of online grooming and the importance of parental vigilance in protecting children from exploitation.