Adrian Fine

A 43-year-old man from Swansea, Adrian Fine, has been imprisoned following his engagement in explicit online conversations with individuals he believed to be underage girls. The incidents occurred in March 2025, when Fine initiated sexual communications with three separate online accounts. Unbeknownst to him, these accounts were operated by a 'paedophile hunter' group as decoys to expose potential child sex offenders.

The case came to light through the efforts of the paedophile hunter group, who monitored and recorded Fine's interactions. Believing he was communicating with children, Fine persisted in sending sexual messages despite indications of their young age. This behaviour was described by authorities as a clear threat to children, highlighting the dangers of online grooming and attempted sexual exploitation.

Fine, residing in Swansea city centre, was arrested and charged with three counts of attempted sexual communications with a child. He appeared in court and pleaded guilty to all charges. On 13 February 2026, he was sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment at a court in Wales, as reported by South Wales Police.

Detective Constable Kelly Hurley, from South Wales Police, commented on the case: 'Adrian Fine was fully of the belief that the accounts he was messaging belonged to children. It remains staggering that there are people like Fine out there who will be told that they are talking to a child and yet still persist in attempting to have a sexual conversation. He is clearly a threat to children and so it is therefore only right that he is going to prison.' This sentencing underscores the police force's commitment to protecting vulnerable children from online predators.

The operation involved collaboration between the paedophile hunter group and South Wales Police, demonstrating the role of community vigilance in tackling child sex offences. Fine's conviction serves as a warning to others engaging in similar activities.