MAN FOUND WITH VILE ANIMAL SEX ACT VIDEOS AND SICK ABUSE IMAGE
A resident of Anglesey was discovered to have in his possession disturbing sexual images, including videos involving animals and an explicit photo of a young girl being abused.North Wales Police found these materials on his phone after seizing his devices.
The content comprised highly explicit videos and images of individuals engaging in sexual acts with animals, as well as a disturbing image of a girl between eight and ten years old in an abusive situation, classified as Category A due to its severity.
James Owen, aged 30, pleaded guilty to charges of making an indecent image of a child and possessing extreme pornographic videos and images involving animals after being arrested in 2022.
Following the confiscation of his devices, police identified four images and 24 videos depicting sexual activity with live animals.
His counsel, Sion ap Mihangel, explained that Owen had admitted to the two offences, which he described as "non-contact" offences.
He stated: "He understands and accepts that this kind of behaviour causes suffering to others." The lawyer added that the investigation had been extensive and that Owen’s arrest in October 2022 had impacted him for nearly two years.
He emphasised that Owen had not reoffended since the arrest and expressed that his client feels "overwhelming shame".
Judge Timothy Petts commented that Owen, of Nant-y-Mynydd, Llanfechell, Amlwch, posed a low risk to the public and that statements from his family and friends painted a positive picture of his character.
The judge handed down a sentence of six months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, alongside a requirement to undertake 100 hours of unpaid work.
At the court in Caernarfon, it was revealed that the animals involved included a horse, a dog, and a tortoise.
The case came to light while police were investigating other suspects.
Owen was also ordered to attend 45 sex offender treatment sessions, engage in a six-month alcohol rehabilitation programme, and complete 45 days of rehabilitative activities.
He is also subject to a sexual harm prevention order and must comply with notification requirements for seven years.
