Michael Hanmer

Michael Hanmer, a 30-year-old man from Anglesey, has been sentenced to 32 months in prison for committing sexual offences against a 13-year-old girl. The case, heard at Caernarfon Crown Court, involved Hanmer using Snapchat to contact the minor, sending her explicit messages and images while soliciting intimate content from her.

According to court proceedings reported by Wales Updates, Hanmer initiated contact with the girl, inviting her on days out and suggesting they could go to his place for 'cuddles and things and have a naughty time'. Prosecutor Simon Rogers detailed how the girl found these advances 'odd' and felt 'uncomfortable' when Hanmer probed her understanding of what 'naughty' meant. Hanmer escalated by requesting an intimate video from her, which she refused to provide, and asked for 'two or three pictures of her bra so he could see what colour it is and maybe a bit of b***'. In response, he sent her an intimate image and video of himself, which the girl described as 'disgusting and weird'.

The victim reported the inappropriate contact to a teacher at her school, who informed her mother, leading to police involvement. Upon arrest, Hanmer initially denied the messages, claiming his phone had been hacked. However, investigations by North Wales Police revealed incriminating online searches on his device, including queries about 'a girl in a bra' and 'whether you could go to jail for sending inappropriate pictures'. In her victim statement, the girl expressed ongoing distress, stating she is receiving counselling and remains worried about potential future encounters with Hanmer.

Defending barrister Dafydd Roberts argued for a suspended sentence, citing a psychologist's assessment that Hanmer has a 'mild intellectual learning disability' and 'possible traits of neurodiversity consistent with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and ADHD', describing him as a 'vulnerable' defendant suitable for probation. Despite this, Her Honour Judge Nicola Jones imposed an immediate custodial sentence of 32 months for causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. Concurrent sentences of eight months for causing a child to watch a sex act and six months for sexual communication with a child were also handed down. Additionally, a five-year sexual harm prevention order was issued, prohibiting Hanmer from contacting or approaching the victim.

The incident highlights the dangers of online grooming, with Hanmer's actions fitting a pattern of child sexual exploitation through digital platforms. North Wales Police's investigation underscored the importance of swift reporting, as the teacher's alert prevented further harm. The sentencing occurred in October 2025, serving as a deterrent for similar offences.