ALEKSANDRAS MACIJAUSKAS SENTENCED IN RISCA FOR CHILD INDECENT IMAGES

In a case that has shocked the community of Risca, Aleksandras Macijauskas, a 29-year-old factory worker originally from Lithuania, faced justice at Cardiff Crown Court after being found guilty of possessing a large collection of indecent images of children. The incident came to light in February when police, acting on intelligence, executed a search warrant at his residence in Tyn-Y-Cwm, Risca, uncovering a disturbing cache of digital material.

Authorities seized a laptop, multiple external hard drives, and a mobile phone during the raid. An examination of these devices revealed that Macijauskas had stored hundreds of illicit images, including 200 classified as ‘Category A’—the most severe category of child exploitation material—and an additional 112 images deemed prohibited. The images also included cartoon pornography featuring minors, highlighting the disturbing nature of the material he possessed.

Prosecutor Nuhu Gobir detailed the findings to the court, emphasizing that despite the volume of illegal content, Macijauskas had no prior convictions related to sex offences either in Lithuania or the UK. This fact was noted by the court as part of the context of his case.

During the hearing, Macijauskas’s defense lawyer, Tracey Lloyd-Nesling, argued that her client’s interest was solely in online pornography and suggested that rehabilitation could mitigate any future risk to children. She highlighted that Macijauskas acknowledged having a problem and expressed a willingness to cooperate with probation services to seek help.

Judge Tom Crowther QC addressed the court, underscoring the gravity of the offences. He stated, “The offences are treated as serious because the children who you saw committing sexual acts have been damaged forever by what happened to them. It is because of the effect on the child and exploitation of children that the law takes a serious view of this offence.”

He further noted that Macijauskas had admitted to having a problematic sexual interest, which indicated a potential for rehabilitation. The judge emphasized the importance of treatment, saying, “It’s in the public interest that you have treatment for that problem before you commit an even more serious offence.”

In sentencing, Judge Crowther acknowledged Macijauskas’s guilty plea and his character as a hard-working individual who had integrated into the UK community. The judge explained that if the case had gone to trial, the sentence would have been two years in prison. However, recognizing his cooperation and remorse, he reduced the sentence by a third.

Consequently, Aleksandras Macijauskas was sentenced to 16 months in prison, suspended for 18 months. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid community work and to participate in a sex offenders’ group programme. A victim surcharge of £115 was also imposed. Furthermore, Macijauskas will be listed on the sex offenders register for a period of ten years, reflecting the seriousness of his crimes and the ongoing risk they pose to the community of Risca.