COLIN PHELPS FROM EBBW VALE ESCAPES JAIL AFTER CHILD INDECENT IMAGES DISCOVERY

In a case that has shocked the community of Ebbw Vale, 68-year-old Colin Phelps narrowly avoided a prison sentence after being found in possession of indecent images of children on his personal computer. The incident came to light in May 2016, leading to a court appearance at Newport Crown Court where Phelps faced serious charges related to child exploitation.

On the morning of the hearing, it was revealed that police had responded to intelligence suggesting illegal activity linked to Phelps’s computer at his residence on Spencer Street. Following a search, authorities uncovered a disturbing collection of digital material, including 67 images and 20 videos depicting child sexual abuse. Among these, 11 videos and two still images were classified as Category A, indicating the most severe level of indecency and harm.

Prosecutor Gareth James detailed the nature of the material, stating, “There were videos and images of girls aged between eight and 12.” Despite the gravity of the content, the court was informed that Phelps had not engaged in any direct contact offenses against children. The prosecution clarified that Phelps’s actions involved downloading and possessing these images rather than creating or distributing them.

During the proceedings, Phelps pleaded guilty to three charges of possessing indecent images and two counts of making such images. His defense attorney, Christopher Rees, emphasized Phelps’s previously unblemished criminal record and expressed remorse for his actions. Rees noted that Phelps had spent three weeks in custody and was deeply regretful, stating, “He is greatly remorseful for his behaviour and he is bitterly ashamed and regrets what he has done. He regrets the harm that has happened to the children in those images.”

Judge Jonathan Furness QC summarized the case, highlighting the serious implications of Phelps’s conduct. “A child was being harmed for sexual purposes for the type of people like you,” he remarked, underscoring the gravity of the offense. Despite the severity, the judge opted for a community-based sentence, considering Phelps’s remorse and clean criminal history.

As part of his sentence, Phelps was handed a three-year community order. During this period, he is required to attend 35 sexual rehabilitation sessions aimed at preventing future offending. Additionally, he must inform police of any changes to his personal details, such as name or address, under the terms of a sexual harm prevention order. He is also prohibited from working with children in any capacity.

The court also ordered Phelps to pay costs amounting to £335, which included an £85 statutory surcharge. The judge issued a stern warning that any future offenses of this nature would likely result in a custodial sentence, emphasizing the seriousness with which such crimes are treated in the legal system.