PETER TRIER CAUGHT IN SOLVA SCANDAL: HOTEL OWNER ESCAPES JAIL AFTER CHILD SEX IMAGE CHARGES IN ST DAVIDS

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Solva and the surrounding area, Peter Trier, the owner of the Warpool Court Hotel located in St Davids, faced serious criminal charges related to the possession and creation of indecent images of children. The 69-year-old man was brought before Swansea Crown Court where he was convicted of multiple offenses involving child sexual abuse images, a revelation that has deeply disturbed local residents and raised concerns about safety and morality in the region.

According to court records, Trier was found guilty of four counts of making indecent photographs of children during April 2016. In addition, he was convicted of possessing a total of 197 indecent photographs of minors. The charges did not stop there; he was also found guilty of three further counts of creating indecent images and possessing an additional 123 photographs of children. The evidence against him was substantial, with police raids uncovering disturbing material on two of his computers, including 28 films depicting child abuse.

The police action was initiated on April 19 of the previous year, when authorities raided Trier’s residence, Trewellwell House in Solva. During the investigation, experts discovered that Trier had been searching the internet for terms such as “boy love” and “nude boys,” indicating a disturbing pattern of interest. The court heard that Trier’s online activity was not limited to casual browsing but involved explicit searches for child sexual abuse material.

During the trial, Trier attempted to justify his actions by claiming that his interest in pornography was linked to health issues. He revealed that he had been treated for prostate cancer in 2009, which had significantly reduced his ability to achieve an erection. He stated that he had tried Viagra without success and that his doctor at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London had suggested he view pornography as a way to cope with his condition. Trier claimed that his downloading of child images was accidental, a defense that the court did not accept.

Prosecutor Jim Davis emphasized the severity of the case, making it clear that Trier’s actions were not a matter of accidental exposure but deliberate acts of seeking out illegal material. The evidence showed that Trier’s online searches and the images found on his devices pointed to a disturbing pattern of behavior.

Judge Keith Thomas delivered the verdict, expressing his disapproval of Trier’s claims and emphasizing the gravity of the offenses. He warned Trier that unless he demonstrated genuine remorse and agreed to participate in a rehabilitation program, he would face immediate imprisonment. The judge highlighted that Trier’s actions involved real children being abused, and he urged Trier to understand the seriousness of his crimes.

In sentencing, Trier received a 12-month jail term, suspended for two years, meaning he would not serve time unless he reoffended within that period. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 40 days of rehabilitation activities under the supervision of the probation service. A sexual harm prevention order was also imposed, restricting his access to children and the internet. Furthermore, Trier is required to register as a sex offender with the police for the next ten years, a measure designed to monitor and prevent further offenses.

Throughout the proceedings, Trier’s legal team expressed skepticism about the verdict, with his barrister, Chris Clee QC, indicating that Trier was unlikely to accept the court’s findings. However, after a brief adjournment, Clee stated that Trier wished to undergo assessment by a probation officer with the aim of accepting rehabilitation, signaling a potential step toward remorse and change.

Judge Thomas concluded by reaffirming the jury’s verdict and the importance of acknowledging the harm caused by such offenses. He emphasized that Trier’s claims of accidental downloading were unconvincing and that the court’s primary concern was the protection of children and the community from further harm. The case remains a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against child exploitation and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding vulnerable minors in Solva, St Davids, and beyond.