MICHAEL POWELL FROM BRIDGEND JAILED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES

In July 1999, a serious case involving a former political figure and educator from Bridgend unfolded, highlighting the disturbing issue of child exploitation through the internet. Michael Powell, aged 51, was sentenced to a three-year prison term by Cardiff Crown Court after being found guilty of possessing and distributing a vast collection of indecent images of children.

Powell, who previously served as the conservative Mayor of Bridgend in 1984, was arrested following a police raid on his residence. During questioning, he admitted to having collected approximately 16,600 images of children over a period of two years, revealing a disturbing pattern of behavior that had gone unnoticed until law enforcement intervened.

The court heard that Powell’s actions included making indecent pseudo pictures of a child, possessing such images, and engaging in activities with the intent to supply and distribute them. He also pleaded guilty to 50 additional similar offences, which were taken into consideration during sentencing.

Representing Powell, Nicola Harris argued that her client had suffered significant personal losses, including the death of his wife, the loss of his employment, and damage to his reputation. She emphasized that Powell had never directly interacted with children and had taken administrative roles within schools specifically to avoid contact with pupils, suggesting that his actions were confined to online activities rather than direct abuse.

During the sentencing, Recorder David Aubrey, QC, expressed grave concerns about the unchecked nature of the internet and its role in facilitating such disturbing behaviors. He highlighted the existence of a troubling sub-culture where individuals exchange depraved images in front of their computers, often with like-minded people across the globe. The judge underscored the alarming reality that these online exchanges contribute to a disturbing trend that society must confront and regulate more effectively.