ANDREW ALLAN FROM TREDEGAR FACES JAIL FOR CHILD ABUSE IMAGES IN SHOCKING CASE

A man identified as Andrew Allan, aged 41 and hailing from Tredegar, is now facing a lengthy prison sentence after being found guilty of possessing and sharing extremely disturbing child abuse material on his mobile device. The conviction came after a jury at Newport Crown Court deliberated on five separate charges related to indecent images of children, including one count of distribution and four counts of possession.

Specifically, Allan was convicted of distributing an indecent photograph of a child, classified as a Category A image, which is considered the most severe and disturbing type of such material. In addition, he was found to have possessed a total of 126 Category A images and videos, along with 49 images at Category B and 40 at Category C. These offences spanned a period from 2019 to 2022, highlighting a prolonged period of illicit activity.

Throughout the trial, Allan maintained his innocence, claiming that his phone had been hacked and that he was not responsible for the content. However, the jury took only 20 minutes to reach a unanimous guilty verdict, indicating the strength of the evidence against him.

Prosecutor Tabitha Walker explained that Allan was caught after unknowingly exchanging messages online with an undercover police officer posing as a potential contact. The court was also informed that Allan had a history of criminal behaviour, having previously been dismissed from the armed forces due to a prior conviction for similar offences.

The investigation revealed that Allan had been involved in the 'swinging scene' in Cheltenham before relocating to Gainsborough Road in Tredegar, and later moving to Waterloo Place in Machen, Caerphilly. These details provided context to his lifestyle and associations.

Judge Daniel Williams, presiding over the case, decided to adjourn sentencing until December 6. He stated that he would await a probation report to determine the appropriate length of the prison term and to assess Allan’s potential danger to the public. Until then, Allan was remanded in custody.

During the sentencing remarks, Judge Williams expressed the disturbing nature of the images involved, recalling that judges once viewed such material directly but now find it too horrific to witness firsthand. The case underscores the seriousness of the charges and the judicial process that will determine Allan’s future punishment.