MATTHEW PARRY FROM CWMBRAN AND MOUNTAIN ASH CAUGHT IN CHILD ABUSE IMAGE SCANDAL

In a disturbing case that has shocked the communities of Cwmbran and Mountain Ash, Matthew Parry, a 43-year-old man, was found to be involved in the distribution and possession of highly disturbing child abuse images. The investigation began when Parry shared these heinous images via WhatsApp with another individual who was under police scrutiny. This exchange of depraved material led to a series of police actions and ultimately, Parry’s arrest.

According to testimony presented at Cardiff Crown Court, Lowri Patterson detailed how Parry had transmitted several child abuse images to a fellow offender, who was later apprehended by Avon and Somerset Police. The authorities in England relayed this information to their counterparts in the Gwent Police force, which resulted in a raid on Parry’s residence just before Christmas in 2018. During the search, officers discovered a collection of extremely disturbing images and videos on his LG mobile phone, depicting girls aged between four and twelve in various states of abuse.

The evidence revealed that Parry had shared at least one Category A image, which is classified as the most severe form of child abuse material, along with two images at Category B and eight at Category C. In addition to the shared images, police found that Parry was in possession of a total of 28 Category A images, 23 at Category B, and 62 at Category C. The collection also included 15 videos and 98 pictures, all of a depraved and disturbing nature.

When questioned by police, Parry admitted to receiving these images and stated, “I was sent them and I should have contacted you.” Prosecutors highlighted that some of the images clearly depicted victims in distress, emphasizing the severity of the material involved.

Parry pleaded guilty to six charges: three counts of distributing indecent images of children and three counts of possession of such images. Judge Richard Williams, presiding over the case, described the images as “of a gross and depraved nature,” and noted the seriousness of the offenses. Despite the gravity of the crimes, the judge indicated a willingness to suspend the prison sentence, considering Parry’s circumstances.

Consequently, Parry was sentenced to 16 months in prison, but this sentence was suspended for 12 months. He was also ordered to undertake a 30-day rehabilitation activity, pay £420 in prosecution costs, and a victim surcharge. Additionally, Parry is required to register as a sex offender for a period of ten years and was placed under a sexual harm prevention order to restrict his future conduct.

Earlier in June 2020, Parry appeared before Cardiff Crown Court once again, where he faced warnings from the judge about the possibility of immediate imprisonment if he reoffended. During this hearing, he admitted to six offenses related to child abuse images, committed on December 19, 2018. His legal representative requested a pre-sentence report from the Probation Service, leading to the case being adjourned until July 6. The judge made it clear that all sentencing options, including immediate custody, remained open, and Parry was granted conditional bail pending further proceedings.