STEPHEN KENEFICK SHAMES LLANELLI WITH CHILD ABUSE IMAGES AND FAMILY BETRAYAL

In December 2014, a disturbing case unfolded involving Stephen Kenefick, a 54-year-old sales executive residing in Llanelli, who was convicted of sharing child abuse images with known paedophiles. The shocking revelation came after his own family discovered chat-room conversations on his laptop that contained highly disturbing language, including phrases like “young girls – I like them young and naked.”

According to the court proceedings, the family’s discovery prompted immediate concern, leading to police involvement. Prosecutor Michael Jones explained that Kenefick initially denied any knowledge of the illicit material. However, when confronted with the possibility of police action, he responded by putting his hands over his head, uttering “I’m sorry guys,” and subsequently packing his belongings and leaving the scene.

Further investigation into Kenefick’s laptop uncovered a disturbing network of contacts. Authorities found hundreds of communications with individuals sharing and exchanging images depicting children as young as two being subjected to abuse. The police, based in Cardiff where Kenefick and his family had previously lived, tracked him down to his new residence in Sandpiper Road, Llanelli.

During questioning, Kenefick largely responded with “no comment,” but eventually pleaded guilty to charges of possessing and distributing indecent images of children, including the most serious Category A material. The court was told that the images included both still photographs and videos.

Lisa Hennessy, defending Kenefick, acknowledged his long history of viewing pornography from the age of 11. She also highlighted that he had recently begun attending Sex Addicts Anonymous, suggesting a recognition of his issues. Hennessy emphasized that Kenefick had been deeply affected by his addiction, which she claimed had plagued him for over 40 years. She described him as an intelligent man who was genuinely remorseful and expressed a desire to change his life.

It was also revealed that Kenefick’s wife had since divorced him, a consequence of his actions. The court heard a victim impact statement read aloud, which was part of his former wife’s testimony. She described the profound and lasting effect his behaviour had on their family life. She stated that “life changed beyond recognition,” and that memories of happier times now only evoke feelings of betrayal and loss. She expressed that their family’s sense of trust had been shattered, and that nothing could restore what was lost.

Judge Neil Bidder QC rejected a proposed three-year community order that would have included treatment for Kenefick’s addiction. Instead, he ordered that Kenefick be sentenced to immediate imprisonment, citing the severe psychological trauma inflicted on his family and the betrayal they experienced. The judge also mandated that Kenefick’s name be entered onto the sex offenders’ register for ten years and that a Sexual Offences Prevention Order be maintained for the same duration, to prevent further harm and monitor his conduct.