RICHARD MANLEY OF CARDIFF FACES HORRIFIC CHILD PORN CHARGES JUST DAYS BEFORE WEDDING

In a shocking turn of events just days before his planned wedding, Richard Manley, a 38-year-old man from Cardiff, was exposed as a paedophile after his former fiancée reported him to the police. The woman, aged 35 and a mother of two, had been in a relationship with Manley for four years. She revealed her distress and relief, stating, "Thank God I never married him. I was just days away. I had a lucky escape."

The incident came to light in September when the woman confronted Manley after receiving a suspicious text message that suggested he might be involved in paedophilic activities. Her suspicions were confirmed when she discovered that Manley had admitted to taking an indecent photograph of a child in her underwear and had also engaged in indecent touching of her. Disturbed by these revelations, she promptly contacted the police.

On September 12, authorities arrested Manley at his residence on System Street, Adamsdown, Cardiff. During questioning, he confessed to the police that he had taken the photograph and sent it years earlier. His admission was part of a broader pattern of disturbing behavior, as he later wrote a letter to his former partner, confessing to additional offences involving child pornography.

The court proceedings revealed that Manley, an aircraft technician by profession, had developed an interest in child pornography as early as 2000. He was found to have shared explicit images with others over the internet, further compounding the severity of his crimes. The police investigation uncovered a disturbing history of his involvement with such material, which he had kept hidden until the recent revelations.

Prosecutor Huw Evans outlined the gravity of the case, emphasizing the long-standing nature of Manley's inappropriate interests. Meanwhile, Robin Shellard, representing the defense, stated that Manley had resigned from his job following the exposure of his crimes. Shellard emphasized that Manley felt genuine remorse for his actions and had taken steps to come forward voluntarily, which he described as a difficult but necessary decision.

Shellard added, “It is to his great credit that he has come forward before the world, and that has been a very difficult thing for him to do. The hardest part was confessing everything to his partner, the woman he loved and still loves deeply, who perhaps will never forgive him. But he believed it was best for everything to be made public so he could seek the help he desperately needs.”

In a letter written by Manley, he expressed regret for his past actions, stating, “It was a time of life I regret, and I don’t intend to repeat it.” The court ultimately sentenced him to six years in prison, reflecting the seriousness of his offences and the impact on his victims and loved ones.