KELVIN HEMMINGS FROM CEFN FFOREST CAUGHT WITH CHILD ABUSE IMAGES AND VIDEOS IN CARDIFF CROWN COURT

In March 2019, a disturbing case emerged involving Kelvin Hemmings, a 59-year-old man from Central Avenue in Cefn Fforest, who was found to possess a significant collection of indecent images and videos depicting child abuse. The case was brought before Cardiff Crown Court, where the severity of his actions was laid bare.

Hemmings was discovered to have downloaded nearly 200 illicit images and videos on his mobile device, which included graphic and cruel depictions of child abuse. The images ranged from infants as young as one month old to children up to 12 years of age, with some of the content classified as extreme pornography. The court was told that among the images, there were 39 of the most serious Category A, showing young girls aged between six months and 12 years being subjected to abuse.

The investigation was initiated when officers from the Gwent Police online investigation team executed a search warrant at Hemmings' residence in Blackwood on January 28. During the search, officers inquired about any indecent images he might possess. Hemmings reportedly responded, “On my mobile phone,” indicating the presence of such material.

Following this, Hemmings was taken into custody at Ystrad Mynach police station, where his phone was seized and subjected to detailed analysis by the high-tech crime unit. The examination revealed a total of 186 indecent images, comprising 176 photographs and 10 videos. The images were categorized into different levels of severity, with 41 images falling into Category B and 106 into Category C. Notably, one of the images depicted a one-month-old baby girl.

Further findings included a prohibited computer-generated image involving a child and a sex toy, along with nine extreme pornographic images, one of which involved a chicken. These findings underscored the disturbing nature of the material Hemmings possessed.

Hemmings pleaded guilty to three counts of possessing indecent images of children, as well as possessing a prohibited image and extreme pornography. His defense lawyer, James Campbell, highlighted that Hemmings had been married for 25 years and was a father to three children and a grandfather to three grandchildren. Campbell emphasized Hemmings' previously clean character and his role as a supportive family man.

He also noted that Hemmings had lost his job, which involved re-filling fire extinguishers, upon his arrest and was now relying solely on pensions. The lawyer expressed that Hemmings was deeply ashamed and disgusted by his actions, acknowledging the horrendous nature of the images he had collected.

Sentencing was handed down by Judge Jeremy Jenkins, who imposed a 10-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. Hemmings was also ordered to complete 30 days of rehabilitation activities and perform 180 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, the court issued a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and mandated that Hemmings register as a sex offender for the next 10 years, reflecting the serious concern over his conduct and the potential risk to the community.