Children’s Entertainer Exposed as Serial Abuser After Years Spent Hiding Behind “Spiderman” Persona
A well-known children’s party entertainer from Swansea, who regularly appeared at events dressed as Spiderman, has been unmasked as a serial abuser following a brave victim’s decision to come forward and share her story. James Thomas, now aged 37, once brought joy to families across the city with his costumed appearances, but it has emerged that his private life was marked by manipulation and abuse.
The survivor, whose name has been changed to Chloe, recounted how Thomas’s actions during 2012 and 2013 left devastating scars on her mental wellbeing and shaped the course of her teenage and adult life. Chloe was just a schoolgirl, a full decade younger than Thomas, when she was lured into the stockroom of a petrol garage where Thomas worked. Between serving customers, Thomas would invite Chloe into the back room under various pretexts, where the abuse took place.
Reflecting on the past, Chloe admitted that the psychological aftermath resulted in a turbulent adolescence. The trauma saw her disengage from her studies and turn to substance abuse in an attempt to cope. “It completely altered my life,” she shared, highlighting her struggle with anxiety, the avoidance of medical help, and the ongoing challenges posed by her experiences.
The grooming had begun long before the abuse became overt, Chloe explained. Thomas, once considered a trusted family friend, used seemingly innocuous gestures—a high five or a lingering hug—to gradually test and erode her personal boundaries. By offering cigarettes from a young age and encouraging her to spend time at the garage, Thomas gained her trust before using it for his own ends.
Despite stopping contact when she realised Thomas’s behaviour was growing increasingly inappropriate, the emotional impact did not diminish. The two continued to encounter one another through shared social circles, leaving Chloe trapped in her trauma and finding it difficult to speak out or seek support. It took over a decade for her to feel able to approach police with her story.
The turning point came in 2020, when Chloe discovered Thomas openly advertising his services as a children’s entertainer online, complete with promotional photographs of himself in character at parties, hospitals, and schools. This discovery was the final straw. After confronting him via social media, Thomas admitted his wrongdoing in direct messages. Yet even then, he appeared to downplay the seriousness of his actions, later changing the subject entirely, seemingly oblivious to the gravity of his previous admission.
Legal proceedings concluded on 10 July 2025 at Swansea Crown Court. Thomas, residing on Tawe Street, Morriston, pleaded guilty to five counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. Despite psychological assessments indicating a developmental delay, the presiding judge made clear that Thomas was fully aware his behaviour was criminal. He was sentenced to four years and four months in prison, and he will remain on the sex offenders register for life.
Images found on Thomas’s public Facebook page chronicle his work at children’s events and celebrations, with hundreds of photos showing him interacting closely with children while in costume. The disturbing reach of his activities, from hospital wards to primary schools, has led to urgent questions about safeguarding practices.
Chloe’s courage in sharing her experience aims to empower other survivors to report abuse, even if many years have passed. “Be brave, be strong—you can do it,” she advised, emphasising the support and validation she felt once police became involved. She now hopes that her story will prevent further harm and encourage others who may be suffering in silence.
The impact of abuse is far-reaching. Chloe described how her trauma has followed her into motherhood, leading to anxiety about everyday activities like the school run. The proximity of her abuser’s home to her child’s school ultimately forced her to move her children for their own wellbeing, underscoring how the consequences of such actions ripple through entire families.
Support and resources for survivors of abuse are available through charities and national services, including Rape Crisis England & Wales, NAPAC, Safeline, and ChildLine. These organisations offer confidential helplines, counselling, and guidance for those affected by sexual violence or historic abuse.
This case stands as a sobering reminder that perpetrators of abuse can often conceal themselves behind positions of trust. As this story makes clear, vigilance, open conversation, and support services remain essential in preventing and exposing child exploitation in all its forms.