A SHORT film warning of the dangers of sexual exploitation, funded by money seized from an Ebbw Vale pimp, was premiered at a conference in Newport yesterday.

Wayne Baker, 63, of Saron Place, was jailed for 11 years in February 2010 after pleading guilty to 22 sexual offences against a number of young women and girls, including controlling prostitution for gain, procuring a girl under 21 to have unlawful sexual intercourse and making indecent images of children.

He also admitted controlling child prostitution, inciting child pornography and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Yesterday saw the debut of 'Thistle,' a short film made by Ebbw Vale and District Trust (EVAD) youth team, who wanted to raise awareness of the issue of sexual exploitation.

The film, which cost £5,000 to make, tells the story of aspiring model Lucy, 14, who contacts a modelling agency online and finds herself being exploited by the head of the agency.

Following Baker's conviction, members of EVAD wanted to make a film to help young people recognise the dangers in a situation and to stop themselves falling victim.

Detective Inspector Bill Davies said that following Baker's conviction his victims they believed work needed to be done to raise awareness of how sexual exploitation is happening.

He said: "The film is almost a legacy for the victims. It was good for them in a way not just to see the offender go to court, but seeing his lifestyle, houses, money etc taken away as well."

Detective Superintendent Steve Mogg said he hoped the film would help young people recognise when they are being exploited and do something about it."

He said: "At the moment, it's happening everywhere. Just because it's not reported doesn't mean it's not there."

In July last year, Baker was ordered to pay back £135,874.74 of the £529,275 he gained from his crimes under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, which gives courts the power to confiscate money earned through criminal activities.

It is hoped the film will be distributed to schools and youth groups across Wales.

The conference saw representatives from Gwent’s five local safeguarding children boards joined colleagues from Gwent Police, Barnados and other organisations to raise awareness of current safeguarding issues around the sexual exploitation of children.