Sex offender jailed after Tarian operation

A sex offender has been given a 13-year extended sentence after an intelligence-led operation by Tarian, the regional organised crime unit for southern Wales.

On Saturday July 10 2021 Mark Lenthall, 53, from Kingston Upon Hull, travelled 250 miles from Hull to Caerphilly with the intention of committing sexual offences against a child. As a result of an intelligence-led operation by detectives within Tarian, Lenthall was arrested and remanded into custody until his appearance today.

Lenthall was already a registered sex offender after being convicted in 2017 for making indecent images of children, possession of extreme pornography and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child under 16.

Lenthall, who was also subject of a sexual harm prevention order, pleaded guilty to all offences on his first occasion at court.

Today (January 7) Lenthall appeared before Cardiff Crown Court and was given a 13-year extended sentence, eight of which will be spent in prison. He was placed on the Registered Sex Offenders list indefinitely and was given an indefinite sexual harm prevention order. 

Detective Inspector Dave Bancroft said:

“It is our absolute priority to protect and keep children safe in our communities, irrelevant of who or where that threat comes from.

“This man travelled around 250 miles with the view of committing serious sexual offences against a child. I have no doubt if we hadn’t acted when we did he would have been a danger to children anywhere in the UK.

“Tarian is committed to combatting child sexual abuse, safeguarding children and bringing those offenders who seek to abuse children to justice.

“Law enforcement operates across the internet and we will relentlessly seek to bring to justice offenders who use the web to facilitate the abuse of children.

“If anyone has been a victim of child sexual abuse, I 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.”