GARETH HARDWICK FROM BARRY AVOIDS PRISON AFTER OFFENCE INVOLVING INDECENT IMAGES

In July 2014, a man from Barry, Gareth Hardwick, described as a "lonely" and "sad character," was spared a prison sentence after being found in possession of indecent images of children.

Judge D.J. Hale told Hardwick that he was willing to give him "another chance." The police executed a search at Hardwick’s home on Spring Street, Barry, in April, after being alerted that he had paid for indecent images online.

Upon entry, officers found the house to be "dirty" and "unkept." Hardwick, aged 56, immediately admitted to the officers and his computer was confiscated. Authorities discovered one image classified as "class-A," the most severe category, along with 38 video clips, 25 of which were also classified as "class-A."

The images depicted girls aged between 10 and 14, a sexual interest Hardwick himself admitted to having. He had collected these materials over a six-month period from October 2013 until his arrest. Notably, Hardwick has no previous convictions.

During the sentencing at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday, July 19, Judge Hale described Hardwick as "a sad character, living in complete squalor." Addressing him directly, the judge stated: "You must understand that these are not victimless crimes. Somewhere, some child—probably in Ukraine, Russia, or elsewhere—has suffered a horrific ordeal to provide people like you with titillation."

Judge Hale also commented on Hardwick’s personal circumstances: "You have manifold other problems and you’re a very lonely man. I’m prepared to give you another chance and impose a community order."

As part of his sentence, Hardwick was subjected to a three-year community order with supervision, during which his computer use would be monitored. He is also prohibited from deleting his internet history or attempting to conceal his online activity.

The judge emphasized that if Hardwick committed another offence, he would face a prison sentence.