**Man Sentenced After Sexual Offences Near Swansea Children’s Park**
A man from Morriston has been jailed after he was caught engaging in indecent behaviour near a children’s play area, sparking deep concerns within the local community. Daniel James Thyer, aged 41, appeared before Swansea Crown Court after being arrested at Morriston Park, a popular spot in the city, where he was witnessed acting inappropriately close to a playground.
The incident came to light on the afternoon of 26 February this year when a woman walking through Morriston Park was shocked to find Thyer sitting on a grassy slope with his trousers down around his ankles. According to statements read in court, he was visibly using one hand to masturbate while holding a mobile phone in the other. Although children were not present in the play area at that time, the woman did notice two teenagers cycling nearby.
Alarmed and disgusted by the scene, the passer-by immediately notified the police. Responding officers promptly arrived at the park, detaining Thyer at the scene. When questioned, Thyer initially claimed he was at the park to meet someone and attempted to explain his actions by saying he was adjusting his attire.
Further examination of Thyer’s mobile phone revealed disturbing details. Messages found on his device indicated that he had been in communication with a young boy, and online conversations explicit in nature were uncovered during the investigation. This digital evidence prompted police to trace and speak with the child, unearthing a more serious pattern of behaviour.
During interviews, the child disclosed a series of distressing events involving Thyer. It was alleged that Thyer had on multiple occasions put his hands down the boy’s trousers, pressed his erect penis into the child from behind (albeit over clothing), and made unwanted physical contact with the boy’s bottom. The defendant had also given the boy gifts, including vapes, money and energy drinks, behaviours described in court as ‘grooming’.
The impact on the victim was made clear in a statement read out during the hearing. The child explained that they now experience frequent sleepless nights and feel uneasy around adult men at school, preferring to keep to themselves as a result of the trauma suffered.
Thyer, who also goes by the name Daniel David and lives on Brangwyn Close in Morriston, entered guilty pleas to several charges, including one count of exposure and five counts related to sexual activity with a child. Notably, the court heard that Thyer had no previous convictions on record.
Defending, Charlotte Surley noted that Thyer possessed learning difficulties, and referred to a report which suggested he displayed what was termed ‘emotional congruence’ with children, an argument which did not sway the seriousness of the offences in the eyes of the court.
In sentencing, Judge Huw Rees described Thyer’s actions as clear evidence of both “grooming behaviour” and “predatory sexual behaviour”. Taking into account his guilty pleas, the judge reduced the sentence by a third, resulting in a custodial term of 12 months. Thyer was also issued with a 10-year sexual harm prevention order and will remain on the sex offenders’ register for an equal period.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about child safety, particularly in public recreational spaces. Members of the public are reminded to remain vigilant and contact authorities if they witness concerning behaviours.
Support is available for anyone affected by sexual abuse. Charities such as Lifecentre, the National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC), One in Four, Safeline, The Survivors Trust, and Rape Crisis England & Wales offer helplines, counselling and advocacy services for survivors and their families, providing crucial help during times of crisis.
This distressing case reinforces the importance of robust safeguarding measures, the vigilance of the community, and access to support for victims to assist their recovery and protect others from harm.