Sex offender jailed after fleeing into sea to evade arrest in Wales
Quick Look
- Gavin Bennett, 45, was sentenced to three years and eight months in prison after fleeing into the Bristol Channel to avoid arrest for sending inappropriate messages to a girl he believed to be under 16.
- He also pleaded guilty to two counts of sexually assaulting a female in a separate incident.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Gavin Bennett was apprehended by South Wales Police after fleeing into the sea to avoid arrest for sending inappropriate messages to a minor. He later pleaded guilty to related charges.
A sex offender who ran into the sea to escape being arrested has been jailed, South Wales Police has said.
Gavin Bennett, 45, ran into the water off Porthcawl, Bridgend County, at night after sending inappropriate messages to a girl he believed to be under 16.
In a video, two officers are seen wading into the Bristol Channel with torches at about 21:45 on 22 October 2025 and pulling Bennett out.
He was charged with two counts of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.
The force said he pleaded guilty at Cardiff Crown Court, and was sentenced on Tuesday to three years and eight months, and handed a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.
The sentence also covered two counts of sexually assaulting a female, relating to a separate incident spanning two years.
Open Questions
- What was the nature of the sexually assaulting incidents covered in the sentence?
- Whether Bennett had prior offenses
- What measures are in place to monitor him post-release
