TREDEGAR MAN JONATHAN WEEKES CONVICTED OF CHILD ABUSE IMAGE OFFENSES IN GWENT AND MERTHYR

In a series of disturbing revelations, Jonathan Weekes, a 48-year-old resident of Citadel Close in Tredegar, has been found guilty of possessing and downloading an extensive collection of indecent images, including those depicting children and animals. The convictions, which span over a nine-year period from 2003 to 2012, were secured after a detailed trial at Cardiff Crown Court, where the jury deliberated for several hours before reaching their verdicts.

Police investigations uncovered a staggering total of 5,713 indecent images, 209 videos, and 249 prohibited computer-generated or cartoon images on Weekes’ home computer, CDs, and memory cards. Among these were some of the most serious categories, including images involving bestiality, which are classified as the most severe level of such material. The authorities also discovered search histories containing terms like “pre-teen hardcore” and “Lolita,” alongside images with titles such as “daddy’s little porn girl” and “real incest,” indicating a disturbing interest in underage and illicit content.

During the trial, the prosecution highlighted that Weekes had denied any involvement, claiming that other individuals with access to his computer must have been responsible for the downloads. Evidence presented revealed that his desktop computer was openly accessible in his living room, where visitors or family members could easily use it. The case took a turn when another man, who was present at Weekes’ home, accidentally saw the illicit material and subsequently alerted the police, leading to the investigation.

Expert analysis of Weekes’ computer revealed that the search terms and images found were extensive, with over 22,000 references to phrases like “pre-teen” on his device. The images and videos ranged in content and length, with some videos lasting up to ten minutes. The material was not only stored digitally but also on physical media such as CDs and memory cards, indicating that the images had been downloaded some time prior and retained at the residence.

Judge Philip Richards, presiding over the case at Merthyr Crown Court, delivered a stern warning about the ongoing threat of child exploitation. He emphasized that such heinous acts are a societal plague, driven by individuals who seek sexual gratification from the suffering of children. The judge acknowledged that Weekes had shown some remorse since his conviction but underscored the gravity of his crimes.

Legal representatives for Weekes argued that his dysfunctional behavior could be traced back to his troubled childhood, and that he was in denial about the extent of his actions. His defense team described him as deeply ashamed and unable to confront the reality of his conduct.

As a result of his convictions, Weekes was ordered to register as a sex offender for life and was subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which restricts his access to internet-enabled devices. The court’s decision reflects the serious nature of his offenses and the ongoing risk posed to society. His sentencing will be scheduled at a later date, with a pre-sentence report to be prepared to guide the court’s final judgment.