MAN SAID HE FILMED GWYNEDD CHILD SEX ABUSE 'TO BE LIKED'
A man recorded himself sexually abusing a child in Gwynedd, driven by a desire to gain approval from others.Prosecutor Simon Rogers explained that police carried out a search at McKnight’s residence in June 2024.
During the search, they confiscated his phone, which contained indecent images of children.
McKnight was cautioned and subsequently arrested, during which he admitted, “I’ve got myself in a mess.” The phone also contained videos depicting McKnight engaging in sexual acts with a child in Gwynedd.
Further investigation uncovered that McKnight had been in communication with two other men, discussing the sexual abuse of the child.
One of these men was reportedly “directing” McKnight’s actions, while the other received video footage of the abuse.
In December 2024, McKnight pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting the child, stating that his motivation was to be liked by others.
He was sentenced to six and a half years in prison at Caernarfon Crown Court on May 21, with an additional two-year extended licence period.
Previously, in November 2024, he had received a four-year sentence for possession, creation, and distribution of indecent images of children.
McKnight has a criminal history comprising three convictions for eight offences, and he used to work as a nurse and hotel assistant.
His solicitor noted that McKnight had sought psychiatric help and maintained that he did not have a sexual attraction to children, suggesting his actions were driven by a need for social approval.
During sentencing, Judge Nicola Jones described McKnight as a “paedophile” and imposed an indefinite sexual harm prevention order.
