CHRISTOPHER BUTTWELL FROM CWMBRAN JAILED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES

In a serious case that has shocked the community of Cwmbran, a local man named Christopher Buttwell, aged 43, was sentenced to prison after admitting to the possession and distribution of indecent images of children. The incident came to light following a police raid on his residence in Coed Eva, Cwmbran, in January 2008, which was conducted based on intelligence received from an external law enforcement agency.

During the raid, authorities seized Buttwell’s computer equipment for forensic analysis. The investigation revealed that Buttwell had been actively involved in sharing and creating illegal images through online platforms. He confessed to using file-sharing software, specifically Google Hello, to communicate with others who shared an interest in adult pornography, but the investigation uncovered far more disturbing evidence.

Prosecutor David Webster outlined that Buttwell admitted to sometimes receiving images of children, which he would delete. However, he also claimed that on certain occasions, he received such images in bulk, which were automatically saved onto his hard drives. The forensic examination of Buttwell’s computer uncovered a total of 191 indecent images stored across two hard drives. These images ranged in severity, with three classified at level five—the most severe—alongside 28 at level four, eight at level three, seven at level two, and a significant 145 at level one, indicating less severe content.

Further investigation revealed that Buttwell had engaged in online conversations involving the distribution of illegal material. Text files recovered from his computer showed that he used the same software to communicate with others, and evidence suggested that he attempted to persuade a chat partner, whom he believed to be a young girl, to send him photographs of her engaging in sexual acts.

During the court proceedings, Buttwell’s defense attorney, Heath Edwards, argued that the majority of the images he viewed were adult pornography, primarily at the lowest level of severity, and many were repeats of the same images. Edwards emphasized that there was no evidence to suggest Buttwell paid for access to illegal sites or actively sought out child abuse images.

However, Judge David Morris emphasized the seriousness of the offense, stating that individuals who use the internet to view child pornography must face appropriate punishment. The judge underscored the broader implications, asserting that such actions contribute to the abuse and exploitation of children, which is facilitated by the existence of these illegal images.

As a result, Buttwell was sentenced to six months in prison. Additionally, he was disqualified from working with children and was ordered to register as a sex offender for the next seven years. The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat online child exploitation and the importance of holding offenders accountable for their actions.