RICHARD WILLIAMS OF YSTALYFERA SENTENCED FOR CHILD INDECENCY IMAGES

In July 2014, Richard Williams, a resident of Ystalyfera, was found to have downloaded indecent images of children, prompting a court hearing. Williams, aged 25 and living on Allt y Grug Road, explained to police that he initially intended to search for pictures of 'young men'. However, during an investigation triggered by the child exploitation team, officers discovered that his computer contained numerous illicit images, including photographs and videos of children as young as three years old.

Williams admitted to eight counts of making indecent images and one count of possessing indecent images. The judge, Keith Thomas, described the offences as 'very disturbing' and shared his perspective on similar cases: 'My personal experience is that those who possess such images fall into two groups; those who are predatory paedophiles and those who are lonely men who don’t have the maturity to deal with their sexual issues in an up front way. I believe you fall into the latter category.'

Police, notified by the child exploitation unit, executed a search at Williams's home on January 9. During the search, officers found 57 photographs and 13 videos related to indecent images.

Williams, who works for a fast-food chain, claimed during police interviews that he accessed the images by mistake, making a typing error, and had no intention of seeking such material.

Representing Williams, Giles Hayes told Swansea Crown Court that his client had led a secluded life. Williams was supported in court by his partner and mother, and it was emphasized that his accessing of these images was a past issue.

The judge sentenced Williams to a three-year community order, which requires him to complete a sex offender group programme. Additionally, he was ordered to pay £535 in court costs.