GARETH YOUNG OF HOLYWELL CAUGHT WITH CHILD SEX IMAGES AND 'DEAD ANIMAL' PORNOGRAPHY

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Holywell, Gareth Young, a 29-year-old resident of Penymaes Road, was found to possess an extensive collection of indecent images and videos involving children, as well as graphic material depicting sexual acts with dead animals. The case came to light after police executed a search warrant at Young’s home on June 20, 2013, during which they seized his desktop and laptop computers. The investigation revealed a horrifying cache of digital material, including 387 images classified as Category A, which is considered the most serious form of indecent images of children. In addition, authorities discovered 304 images categorized as Category B and 837 as Category C, some of which also fell under the most severe classification. Among the material found were 16 images considered to be extreme pornography, including acts of bestiality involving animals. The total number of indecent images of children possessed by Young amounted to 1,335, along with nine video files featuring children and 16 still images depicting sexual acts with animals, some of which involved live animals and others dead.

Prosecutor Matthew Dunford told Mold Crown Court that Gareth Young had pleaded guilty to 11 charges related to the making and possession of indecent images and videos of children, which he downloaded from the internet. During his interview with authorities, Young admitted that his initial interest in such material was sparked after viewing a documentary that highlighted how easily such content could be accessed online. He explained that he became addicted to viewing these images, and although he found them sickening and haunted by the images of children, he continued to indulge in this disturbing behavior.

Judge Niclas Parry, addressing Young, who had no prior criminal record, emphasized the gravity of the offense. He pointed out that the images involved children as young as one year old and up to 14 years old, with a significant number falling into the Category A classification. The judge highlighted the seriousness of possessing such a large quantity of the most severe images, noting that there was no evidence of distribution and that Young’s actions appeared to be out of character. Recognizing the potential influence of mental health issues, Judge Parry stated that he would consider a sentence that benefits both the public and Young’s rehabilitation. Consequently, he sentenced Gareth Young to 15 months in prison, suspended for two years. Additionally, Young was ordered to attend a two-year course for internet offenders, and he must notify police of his residence for the next decade. He is also prohibited from having contact with any child under 16 without prior approval, and his computer use will be subject to restrictions.

In a related hearing, Young admitted to possessing not only child abuse images but also explicit photographs involving sexual acts with dead animals, which he described as 'disgusting and offensive.' However, Judge Rhys Rowlands, presiding at Mold Crown Court, refused to proceed with sentencing at that time, citing procedural issues. The judge criticized the Crown Prosecution Service for not preparing an agreed schedule of the images to facilitate proper classification, which he deemed essential for a fair and accurate sentencing process. He expressed concern that rushing the case could lead to a wrongful sentence and ordered Young to be bailed pending further proceedings. As part of the bail conditions, Young is required to register as a sex offender and is under strict restrictions regarding his contact with minors and his use of computers. The case continues to highlight the disturbing nature of the offenses and the importance of thorough legal procedures in handling such sensitive cases.