HUGH EDWARDS FROM BENLLECH ARRESTED OVER CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IMAGES IN ANGLESEY

In November 2018, a 66-year-old man from Anglesey, Hugh Gwynfor Edwards, was brought before the court on serious charges related to the possession of indecent and prohibited images of children. The proceedings took place at a special weekend court session held in Llandudno, where Edwards appeared to face multiple allegations that could have significant legal repercussions.

Edwards, who resides on Amlwch Road in the village of Benllech, was immediately denied bail by the magistrates. The court cited the gravity of the charges and the potential risk of him committing further offences as primary reasons for this decision. The magistrates emphasized that their powers were insufficient to handle the case fully, prompting a referral to Caernarfon Crown Court for sentencing, scheduled for the following month.

The charges against Edwards stemmed from a routine police visit to his residence. During this visit, officers discovered electronic devices containing material that was later subjected to analysis by a specialized high-tech unit. The investigation revealed that the devices held images depicting girls aged between three and sixteen years old. Prosecutor Diane Williams explained that the material was linked to Edwards, who reportedly expressed an unsettling curiosity about whether children could keep secrets. She further stated that during police interviews, Edwards claimed that the images appeared to show “two young people having fun,” a comment that added to the concerns about his intentions.

Edwards faced multiple charges, including possession of indecent images of children, breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, and violating a previously imposed suspended sentence by magistrates in Caernarfon last January. His guilty plea to these charges underscored the seriousness of the case.

Defense solicitor Bethan Williams requested bail on Edwards’ behalf, arguing that he was aware of the possibility of a prison sentence. However, the court’s chairman, Hugh Morgan, dismissed the request, citing the risk of further offences and the severity of the allegations. He also criticized Edwards for showing a “total disregard for court orders,” which contributed to the decision to keep him in custody pending sentencing. The case remains a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat child exploitation and protect vulnerable minors from harm in the Anglesey area.