DAVID CWIKLINSKI FROM MAGOR EAST SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD ABUSE IMAGES AND ONLINE PREDATION

In a case that has shocked the community of Magor East and the surrounding areas, David Cwiklinski, aged 47, has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term after admitting to possessing and sharing some of the most disturbing child abuse images imaginable. The incident, which came to light in May 2021, revealed the extent of Cwiklinski's involvement in online child exploitation and his disturbing behavior both on and offline.

According to court proceedings, Cwiklinski, an engineer residing on Windsor Drive in Magor, Monmouthshire, had engaged in a disturbing online activity where he searched the dark web for extremely graphic and heinous images of child abuse. Prosecutors detailed that he not only viewed these images but also shared them via social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Twitter, often with other sex offenders who shared his depraved interests. The court heard that he had been in contact with like-minded individuals on social media, discussing the possibility of forming a dedicated group for sharing such material.

Ruth Smith, the prosecutor, told Cardiff Crown Court that after his arrest, Cwiklinski openly admitted to having viewed some of the worst images imaginable, describing the experience as akin to a drug addiction with no boundaries. He reportedly stated, “I have looked at terrible things. Think of the worst things possible and I have seen them. It’s like a drug. I have no limits – from cradle to grave.”

Further investigations uncovered that Cwiklinski had stored thousands of child abuse movies and photographs across approximately a dozen electronic devices. He had shared more than 500 of these illicit images with others, demonstrating a significant level of involvement in the distribution of such material. The court also heard that he had discussed installing a secret camera in the changing room of his local swimming pool, indicating a disturbing intent to further exploit children.

The images he possessed were described as particularly extreme, involving very young children, some as young as 18 months old. These images depicted victims in states of extreme distress, highlighting the severity of his offenses. Cwiklinski pleaded guilty to charges of distributing and making indecent images of children, with the crimes spanning from March 2019 to March 2021. His offenses were committed both in the Avon and Somerset Police jurisdiction and later in Gwent, after he moved to Monmouthshire.

Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke addressed Cwiklinski directly during sentencing, stating, “You said there were no taboos. You pose a high risk of serious harm to children.” Recognizing the gravity of his actions and the danger he posed, the judge sentenced him to an extended prison term for the protection of the public. Cwiklinski was sentenced to five years in total, comprising four years of imprisonment followed by an extended license period of 12 months.

Additionally, the court ordered that Cwiklinski must register as a sex offender for life and be subject to a sexual harm prevention order indefinitely. The case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat online child exploitation and protect vulnerable victims from further harm.