MILES BIRD FROM BEDDGELERT INVOLVED IN CHILD PORNOGRAPHY AND ONLINE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION CASE IN CAERNARFON

In February 2018, a disturbing case emerged involving Miles Bird, a resident of Cae Morys in Beddgelert, who was found to have engaged in heinous online activities related to child exploitation. Bird, aged 50, was accused of adopting a false online persona named 'Charlotte Williams' to infiltrate a lesbian chat room, where he subsequently shared indecent images of minors. The court heard that Bird's actions were driven by a desire to indulge in what was described as 'warped sexual fantasies,' highlighting the disturbing nature of his online behavior.

According to the prosecution, North Wales Police, acting on intelligence from the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP), traced the uploaded images back to Bird’s residence. A search of his property led to the seizure of various electronic devices, including a laptop, which played a crucial role in the investigation. Police investigators confirmed that Bird had used the pseudonym 'Charlotte1995' to access a lesbian chat room, where he exchanged and uploaded illicit images.

Further examination of Bird’s laptop revealed a troubling collection of indecent images depicting young girls aged between seven and 15 years old. Cyber forensic experts also uncovered evidence of sexually explicit discussions and discovered that software had been installed on the device to prevent the retrieval of certain data, indicating an attempt to conceal his activities. Bird admitted to police that he habitually saved pornographic images on his laptop, further implicating him in the possession and distribution of child abuse material.

Despite the severity of the charges, Bird, who was described by his legal representative, Andrew Green, as a man of previously good character, was spared a custodial sentence. Instead, he was sentenced to an 18-month community order, which includes a 50-day activity requirement and a six-month alcohol treatment program. The judge, Huw Rees, acknowledged the seriousness of the offences but emphasized the importance of rehabilitation.

In addition to the community order, Bird was subjected to a five-year sexual harm prevention order, and his name was mandated to remain on the sex offenders’ register for the same duration. The judge highlighted that such cases are always considered with the potential for custodial sentences due to the gravity of the crimes, but in this instance, the court opted for a community-based resolution, reflecting the circumstances and Bird’s background.