DAVE PARTON AND SHOCKING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CASE IN CARDIFF
In a deeply troubling case originating from Cardiff, revelations have emerged about comedian Dave Parton, whose real name is David Parton, and his criminal past involving child pornography.Parton, now 53 years old, was handed a 12-month suspended sentence in 2017 after police uncovered a disturbing stash of 549 indecent images of children on his computer during a search at his home in Penarth, a town near Cardiff.
Despite serving his sentence some years ago, he remains on the sex offenders’ register, a fact that has shocked many within the local comedy community and beyond.
Following his conviction, Parton expressed remorse and offered an apology for the pain caused not only to the comedy circles in South Wales but also to the victims depicted in the images.
He admitted to police that he had been viewing these images over a period of four or five years, developing an interest in spanking, but insisted he had never intended to take part in any such activity himself.
During his sentencing at Cardiff Crown Court, he acknowledged that he needed help to address his problematic behavior.
The court noted that 44 of the images he possessed were classified as Category A, indicating the most serious form of child pornography.
In addition to his suspended sentence, he was ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid community service, was placed under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for ten years, and was required to register as a sex offender for the same duration.
Recorder Simon Mills, who sentenced him, recognized that Parton had cooperated with authorities, expressed remorse, and pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity, which influenced his leniency.
Despite the gravity of his convictions, Parton continued performing on the stand-up comedy circuit under his stage name, including appearances at family-oriented comedy gigs like Babi Comedy, which cater to mother-and-baby audiences.
These performances took place even after his conviction was made public, raising serious concerns among his colleagues and the public.
When news of his criminal history surfaced on a Facebook group dedicated to Cardiff-based comedians, reactions ranged from shock to outright revulsion.
One fellow comedian shared a personal account, saying: “I've been in a car with him, been to gigs with him, lived next door to him.
And now I feel physically ill and like I have to phone my Dad to tell him to move because I won't go over the house ever again knowing he breathes next door.” Many expressed anger and disappointment, emphasizing the layers of betrayal and the potential risks involved in allowing him to perform around children.
Comments reflected a shared sense of betrayal, with some stating: “This is very shocking and saddening and I only hope he understands the magnitude of what he's been doing,” and “I find myself in complete shock and anger.” Others pointed out the heinous nature of the crimes committed by those in the images, stating: “The ones who need help are the children who were abused and trafficked to produce those images—they are the real victims, needing rehabilitation and therapy.” Concerns also emerged about Parton’s use of a stage name and the morality behind performers with such histories seeking to continue working in entertainment.
One comic criticized the behavior: “When sex offenders are sincerely working on changing their behavior, I’d usually advise against creating new aliases, but immediately doing so to hide your past is immoral and shocking.” Nonetheless, Parton maintains that he did not intend to mislead anyone.
In a statement to the entertainment website Chortle, he insisted, “It's obviously been a shock to many, and I fully understand the hurt I have caused to the comedy community, my family and friends, and most importantly, the victims of the images I downloaded.” He further explained that he has been working with voluntary organizations, law enforcement, and mental health professionals to manage his issues, claiming he is in a much better place now.
“I am under regular supervision by the police.
My mania and depression are under control, and I have not reoffended in four years,” he stated.
Regarding his performances at family-friendly events, Parton noted that there was no inappropriate interaction with children or parents, only that he was accompanied at all times and did not engage with the audience in any harmful manner.
However, some colleagues remain skeptical.
Fellow comedian Jorden Haste remarked: “The fact he’s been around children multiple times, even lending his PA system when he's not officially performing, shows he's not truly ashamed.” Promoter Hales Corney, who organizes the Babi Comedy gigs, expressed shock and sadness at the revelations, emphasizing that extra precautions will be put in place when events resume after the COVID-19 lockdown.
In a more personal reflection earlier this year, Parton shared on his website that he had experienced suicidal thoughts around the time of his arrest, including taking an overdose of paracetamol and driving to his favorite beach.
He described himself as “a mess” at the time, acknowledging past mistakes and the risks he had taken.
Yet, he claimed that supportive messages online encouraged him to turn his life around, emphasizing that recovery involved therapy and medication, and that changing his name was part of that process.
Parton’s career on the comedy circuit began in 1998 under his birth name.
His background includes failed attempts in various fields such as radio presenting, wedding DJing, music, social work, and sales.
After taking a break to pursue acting, he returned to the stage in 2015.
Despite his efforts at rehabilitation, the revelations about his past are likely to end his career in comedy.
A prominent promoter stated unequivocally, “I will never book him again, and I will make sure others know what he has done so they can avoid booking him as well.”
