MICHAEL COKER FROM CAPEL HENDRE NEARLY FACES JAIL OVER INDECENT IMAGES

In a case that has raised serious concerns about online safety and the exploitation of children, Michael Charles Coker, a 26-year-old resident of Waterloo Road in Capel Hendre, was brought before the court to face charges related to the possession and distribution of indecent images of minors. The proceedings revealed that Coker had engaged in deceptive online behavior, pretending to be a 14-year-old schoolboy in order to access illicit material over the internet.

During the hearing, Judge Peter Heywood emphasized the gravity of Coker’s actions, stating that he had come “within a whisker” of being sent to prison. The judge explained that the only reason Coker was not immediately incarcerated was because a short prison sentence would not provide an opportunity for him to undergo necessary treatment for his offending behavior. The court was made aware that Coker had been in contact with another man based in Gwent while on his computer. This individual had sent Coker indecent images, which Coker subsequently shared with others. The Gwent man, who had distributed approximately 5,000 images, was later sentenced to 20 months in prison.

In Coker’s case, he admitted to possessing 437 indecent photographs of children, but he had only shared three images. The investigation into the Gwent man’s activities was handed over to Dyfed-Powys police, who then visited Coker’s residence. During their visit, Coker arrived at his home and confessed to the officers what they would find on his computer, further implicating him in the distribution of illicit material.

Judge Heywood commented on Coker’s personal circumstances, noting that he led a lonely and isolated life, spending an excessive amount of time online. However, he underscored the importance of understanding that real children are victims of abuse, and that individuals like Coker contribute to the demand for indecent images, which perpetuates the cycle of harm. The judge expressed concern over the trauma inflicted upon children involved in such exploitation.

Faced with the dilemma of whether to send Coker to prison or seek an alternative, Judge Heywood acknowledged the difficult position he was in. While Coker could have no grounds to complain if he was immediately imprisoned, the judge believed that a more constructive approach would be more effective in addressing his offending behavior. Consequently, Coker was sentenced to a three-year community order, which includes supervision for the same period. As part of this order, he is required to attend a sexual offences group work programme.

Additionally, Coker was ordered to register as a sex offender and is prohibited from accessing the internet through systems capable of deleting browsing history or website details. He was also instructed to pay £530 in prosecution costs. The judge issued a stern warning, emphasizing that the alternative to prison was not a “soft option,” and if Coker failed to comply with the conditions of his community order, he would face immediate imprisonment.