Radio DJ jailed for web grooming

Hopkins has been receiving counselling, the court heard

A local radio DJ who used his celebrity to groom two schoolgirls on the internet has been jailed for a year.

Adam Hopkins, 26, from Llandudno, Conwy, was working with Bangor-based Coast 96.3 when he contacted the 14-year-old girls.

At Mold Crown Court, he admitted two counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of young girls, and one of sexual grooming.

One victim's parents said they hoped the case would be a lesson to others.

Her father said: "Some youngsters have more than 200 contacts on their social network sites and parents need to be aware of what can happen

"We didn't know what was going on."

I have to deal with you for three serious offences. Only a prison sentence is appropriate Judge John Rogers QC

The parents confronted their daughter after discovering pictures of a "relationship type" on her mobile phone.

The mother said: "This was a local celebrity taking advantage of easily impressed young girls.

"He was not a silly lad, but a grown man."

She added: "Our main concern was to ensure that it never happened again and did not become something more serious."

The court heard the ages of the girls - which Hopkins knew - and his status as a local radio presenter were aggravating features.

Internet chatrooms

After contacting the youngsters, Hopkins played strip poker with them using web cams, and committed indecent acts in front of the camera.

He also met them twice.

Judge John Rogers QC made a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO), banning Hopkins from having girls under 16 at his home.

He must register as a sex offender for the next ten years, and is also banned from using internet chatrooms, newsgroups and bulletin boards.

The judge said Hopkins had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and was paying for private counselling for his problems.

But he added: "I have to deal with you for three serious offences. Only a prison sentence is appropriate."

In a statement, Coast 96.3 said Adam Hopkins was an "external supplier" of radio shows from April 2006 until November 2007.

The statement added: "This case, once again, highlights the dangers surrounding social network sites and we would echo the parents' comments to be vigilant when accessing these areas".