ANDREW WILTON FROM ABERCRAVE AND PORT TALBOT SENTENCED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

In May 2017, Andrew Wilton, who had recently moved to Port Talbot, was brought to justice for possessing indecent images of children. The investigation into Wilton’s activities revealed a disturbing pattern of behavior that spanned over a decade. Back in May 2016, authorities uncovered that Wilton, a 52-year-old man originally from Abercrave, believed he had developed an 'unbeatable method' for viewing child abuse images without detection.

Wilton’s claims were substantiated when experts examined his Acer computer, which was seized during a police raid. The forensic analysis uncovered a significant collection of illicit material: 35 images classified as Category A, indicating the most severe form of child exploitation; 64 images in Category B; and a staggering 278 images in Category C. These images depicted children being subjected to sexual abuse, some as young as five years old, highlighting the severity and depravity of the material Wilton had been viewing.

Prosecutor Brian Simpson outlined the case during a hearing at Swansea Crown Court, explaining that police executed a search warrant at Wilton’s residence on May 8 of the previous year. Wilton was quick to admit that he anticipated the discovery of child pornography and openly acknowledged his long-standing interest in such material, claiming he had been viewing these images for ten years. He also revealed that he had been active in online chat rooms, where he interacted with others who shared similar interests and sent him additional images.

Judge Keith Thomas addressed the court, noting that probation officers had prepared a report on Wilton’s case. The judge emphasized that the report indicated a need for more comprehensive intervention. Addressing Wilton directly, Judge Thomas stated that the images he possessed were of real children being abused, some as young as five years old, and that such material was a direct result of real abuse occurring in the world. The judge condemned Wilton’s attitude, asserting that individuals like him perpetuate and encourage such heinous acts.

While acknowledging that Wilton deserved a prison sentence, Judge Thomas expressed concern that incarceration alone would not be sufficient to address the underlying issues. As a result, Wilton was sentenced to a three-year community order, which requires him to participate in a sex offenders’ work programme. Additionally, he was issued a five-year sexual harm prevention order and mandated to register as a sex offender with the police for the same duration. Wilton was also ordered to pay £535 in prosecution costs, marking a significant step in the ongoing effort to combat child exploitation and protect vulnerable victims.