The family of a man convicted of sexual offences in Penarth say they are concerned that the nature of his offences has been overstated and a historic incident exaggerated in a bid to strengthen a case against him.

Clifford Taylor is the former manager of Penarth Yacht Club. At a pre-Christmas trial at Cardiff Crown Court it was alleged that he sent a video of himself masturbating to a nine-year-old boy and also asked the young boy for naked photographs.

Though Taylor has continuously protested his innocence, he was convicted of two counts of sexually communicating with a child, following a trial at Cardiff Crown Court. He denied the offences and continues to maintain his innocence despite the verdicts.

He is currently behind bars after being sentenced to a total of 30 months imprisonment. He was also made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and sex offender notification requirements indefinitely.

Despite Taylor's protestations of innocence South Wales Police have welcomed his conviction.

Detective Constable Paul Azzopardi told Penarth Nub News: "I and the investigation team welcome the sentencing of Clifford Taylor, his crime was incredibly traumatic for the victim. 

"South Wales Police will continue to work hard to put these kind of offenders before the courts to gain justice for the victims of his crimes. Anyone who has experienced this predatory online behaviour should report it – it is never too late."

During the trial reference was made to a previous incident in Ireland when Taylor was accused of blackmail after becoming involved in a same sex relationship with a married man.

That added weight to the prosecution evidence against him at Cardiff Crown Court but Taylor';s family say the full story was not told, telling Nub news: "That situation was between two consenting adults. Clifford was accused of making money by blackmail but that money was paid back by his father and Clifford was not convicted of any sexual offence in that case. So how are both of these cases connected?

"Clifford is, and has right through, maintained his innocence. He has been fighting this since January 2022. He is no angel but he will fight on to clear his name."