DAVID OWEN FROM CAERPHILLY SENTENCED FOR HORRIFIC CHILD AND ANIMAL ABUSE IMAGES IN SOUTH WALES

David Owen, a man residing in Bryn Rhedyn, Rudry, Caerphilly, South Wales, has been convicted of possessing and distributing a disturbing collection of indecent images involving children and animals. The case was heard at Cardiff Crown Court, where prosecutors detailed the extent of Owen’s heinous online activities and the disturbing nature of the material found during a police raid.

According to prosecutor Alex Greenwood, police officers executed a search warrant at Owen’s residence at approximately 5:02 am on December 20, 2022. Owen was present at the scene along with his then-partner when law enforcement officials arrived. The officers explained that they had received credible information regarding Owen’s internet activity, which prompted the raid. During questioning, Owen admitted to possessing images depicting bestiality involving a horse, but he insisted that these images did not involve children and claimed they were unrelated to any illegal activity involving minors.

However, the evidence collected painted a far more disturbing picture. When police seized Owen’s iPhone, they discovered a total of 24 indecent images classified as Category A, which is recognized as the most severe level of child abuse material. In addition, there were 19 images in Category B, 35 in Category C, and 43 prohibited non-photographic images, all of which depicted extreme and illegal content. The police also uncovered a staggering 383 images of extreme pornography involving animal abuse, including a particularly disturbing image described as 'sadistic,' showing an individual performing oral sex on a dog.

The prosecutor highlighted that the children depicted in the images were as young as six months old, emphasizing the severity of the crimes. Further evidence included a video sent by Owen to an acquaintance, which showed the rape of a five-year-old child in apparent distress. The court was also informed that Owen’s online searches included terms such as “paedo lives matter” and “young teens,” indicating a disturbing preoccupation with underage individuals. His online username on a chat network was “Paedo for kids, babies and toddlers,” and messages revealed that he had discussed the rape of a child known to him. Despite efforts to conceal his activities, Owen had attempted to hide the images on his phone, but these efforts were unsuccessful.

Owen admitted to charges of distributing an indecent image and five counts of possession of indecent, extreme, and prohibited images. It was noted that he had no prior criminal convictions. The court considered the distress and pain inflicted upon the children in the images, most of whom were under the age of ten, as a significant factor in sentencing.

Judge imposed a custodial sentence of two years and two months, with Owen required to serve half of this term in prison. Additionally, Owen was placed under a ten-year sexual harm prevention order, which includes restrictions such as informing police of his address and other personal details. Upon release, he will also be required to pay a victim services surcharge of £228. The case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement in South Wales to combat the distribution and possession of such heinous material, and the court’s firm stance on punishing those involved in such crimes.