## Man Jailed for Plotting Child Sexual Abuse Receives Lengthier Prison Sentence Following Court Ruling
The prison sentence of a man convicted for planning the sexual abuse and rape of children under the age of 12 has been increased following a hearing at Merthyr Crown Court. Stuart Compton, aged 46, and his partner Tracy Turner, 52, exchanged thousands of messages over two years, meticulously devising the exploitation of two young girls and a boy. The pair’s communications, which detailed their abhorrent intentions, were intercepted thanks to a tip-off from an online dating platform, ultimately leading to their arrest.
During a recent session at Merthyr Crown Court, the presiding judge, Her Honour Tracey Lloyd-Clarke, disclosed that a sentencing miscalculation had initially been made in the case. As a result, the time Compton must serve in prison was extended, and Turner’s term was slightly reduced. Previously, Compton was handed a life sentence, with the possibility of applying for parole after a minimum term of seven years; this has now been increased to eight years and eleven months before any parole consideration. Tracy Turner’s original 12-year custodial sentence was amended to 10 years, with an additional two years on extended licence.
The couple’s disturbing correspondence came to light after an online dating service became concerned about Compton’s conduct, prompting it to contact the authorities. Police investigations soon uncovered thousands of messages between Compton and Turner, revealing their calculated planning and grave intentions. Turner worked as a hospital operating assistant, raising additional concern about her access to vulnerable individuals.
Both individuals, residing in different Cardiff neighbourhoods—Compton in Cathays and Turner in Roath—had previously pleaded guilty to six counts each of arranging sexual offences against children. In addition to these charges, Compton admitted possessing indecent images, while Turner also pleaded guilty to related offences. Despite initial denials on other counts—including conspiracy to murder, conspiracy to rape, and conspiracy to kidnap—those charges have been left to lie on file.
During sentencing, Judge Lloyd-Clarke drew attention to the couple’s relentless and explicit discussions about the abuse, which took place repeatedly over the course of their two-year correspondence. The court was told they used aliases, referring to themselves as “Bonnie and Clyde,” as they plotted their crimes. The judge stated unequivocally that the pair’s conversations “made clear that this was not fantasy” but rather a real and tangible threat to children.
In her remarks on Monday, Judge Lloyd-Clarke stressed the need to protect the public from Compton’s continued risk, highlighting that he will only be eligible for release if a parole board deems him no longer a danger. This, she noted, provides an additional layer of scrutiny before Compton could re-enter society, reflecting the serious nature of the couple’s offences.
Turner, for her part, faces an extended licence period upon completion of her prison term, during which she will remain under close supervision. The court acknowledged the particular gravity of her role, especially given her professional background in healthcare, a position of significant trust.
The case has drawn strong reactions from the public and child protection campaigners, who have highlighted the vital role that digital vigilance and swift reporting by online platforms played in halting the planned offences. Authorities have since praised the dating app for its prompt action, which allowed detectives to step in before any children came to harm.
As Compton and Turner begin to serve their revised sentences, the case serves as a stark reminder of the essential partnerships between digital platforms, law enforcement, and the wider community in safeguarding vulnerable children from those who intend them harm. The judge’s decision to revisit and amend the sentences underscores the judicial system’s commitment to continually assessing the severity and adequacy of penalties in such serious cases.