BRYNGLAS PAEDOPHILE IAN ROBERTS INVOLVED IN CHILD ABUSE IMAGE EXCHANGE IN ABERPORTH AND BEYOND

In July 2019, a disturbing case emerged involving Ian Roberts, a man from Brynglas, Aberporth, who was found to possess and distribute images depicting child abuse. The investigation was initiated after police executed a search warrant at Roberts' residence, uncovering a troubling collection of indecent images and videos. The authorities revealed that Roberts had been actively engaged in exchanging these illicit materials with other paedophiles located across the globe, including individuals from Saudi Arabia and Puerto Rico.

During the court proceedings at Swansea Crown Court, it was disclosed that police seized a mobile phone and a laptop from Roberts' home under the provisions of the Protection of Children Act. An examination of these devices uncovered 29 videos of children being subjected to abuse, with 10 classified as the most severe Category A. Additionally, there were 77 indecent still images, five of which fell into Category A. The mobile device contained 68 videos, 59 of which were also classified as Category A. The victims depicted in these images were as young as five years old, highlighting the grave nature of the offences.

Further investigations revealed that Roberts had been actively sending these disturbing images to other paedophiles, engaging in deliberate exchanges of child pornography. Prosecutor Jim Davis emphasized the seriousness of these actions, describing them as a "quite deliberate exchange of child pornography." Initially, Roberts attempted to deflect responsibility by claiming that a computer virus was responsible for the presence of the images, and he suggested that others might have had access to his devices. However, once presented with concrete evidence, Roberts pleaded guilty to both possessing and distributing indecent images of children.

Roberts' legal representative, James Hartson, acknowledged that his client was dealing with various personal issues. He also stated that Roberts had taken steps to prevent further access to the internet by cancelling his broadband connection. During sentencing, Roberts exhibited signs of distress, shaking uncontrollably and claiming to hear voices from the corner of the dock, indicating possible mental health struggles.

Judge Keith Thomas addressed Roberts directly, emphasizing the gravity of his offences. The judge pointed out that Roberts' actions not only involved the exploitation of children but also contributed to the wider problem by encouraging others to produce and share similar material. While acknowledging that Roberts deserved a prison sentence, Judge Thomas expressed the view that the public's safety could be better assured if Roberts addressed his underlying issues.

As part of his sentence, Roberts was ordered to complete a three-year community order, which includes 35 days of rehabilitation and participation in a 12-month alcohol treatment program. Additionally, he was subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, restricting his access to the internet and limiting his contact with children to prevent further harm.

In a related case from June 2019, Roberts, then aged 49, appeared before Judge Keith Thomas at Swansea Crown Court, where he admitted to making and distributing child sex abuse images. The court was told that Roberts, of Brynglas, had distributed 21 Category A images and three Category B images, as well as creating 74 indecent images across categories A, B, and C, between July 22 and December 21, 2017. The judge warned Roberts that his offences were serious and warranted a substantial custodial sentence. The sentencing was postponed until July 12 to allow for a probation report, and Roberts was granted bail pending the hearing.