A MAN who believed he was grooming a 12-year-old schoolgirl before arranging to meet her has been locked up for more than five years.

Mathew Jones, 33, was being set up by the police in an online sting after contacting an undercover officer.

The defendant, from Livale Court, Bettws was arrested following an investigation by Tarian, the regional organised crime unit for southern Wales.

Jones pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual communication with a child and arranging to meet a child following sexual grooming.

The offences were committed in March, Cardiff Crown Court was told.

The defendant was jailed for five years and four months.

MORE NEWS: Drug dealer caught after cannabis vape pens and edibles were found at his lock-up

Detective Inspector Mathew Davies, of Tarian, said: “This is another notable result for us and South Wales Police in removing a dangerous individual from preying on vulnerable children.

“Until he was caught, Jones was a respected member of the community in Newport.

“By working closely with South Wales Police, we were able to identify and promptly detain Jones to prevent him for committing further offences.

“Safeguarding children within our communities is incredibly important and working closely with all South Wales Forces we will continue to target those offenders looking to exploit children.

“We will tirelessly seek to bring those offenders who continue to use the internet to facilitate the abuse of children to justice.

“If anyone has been a victim of child sexual abuse, we urge you to report it to your local police force via 101.

“We will always follow up allegations of abuse, no matter when they occurred.

“Victims can talk in confidence to experienced investigators and we can also help them get access to a range of other support services.

“If you have concerns about your use of the internet or inappropriate thoughts or behaviour about children or if you are worried about how someone you know behaves around children or are worried about their use of the internet then the Lucy Faithfull Foundation provide a free, anonymous and confidential Stop It Now! Helpline on 0808 1000 900 for advice, support and information.”