DAVID UWINS BATH BUSINESSMAN FROM LANGRIDGE CAUGHT IN SHOCKING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CASE

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Bath and the surrounding areas, David Uwins, a well-known local businessman from Langridge, has faced serious legal repercussions for his involvement in possessing and viewing indecent images of children. The proceedings, held at Bristol Crown Court, revealed a disturbing history of criminal activity linked to Uwins, who has been previously convicted for similar offenses.

Back in October 2008, Uwins, then aged 65, was sentenced to serve a 12-month jail term, which was to run concurrently across 21 counts of making indecent images of children. The court heard that Uwins had accessed a staggering 842 such images on his home computer between 2004 and 2006. These images, some of the most horrific and disturbing, depicted children under the age of ten being abused. The investigation was initiated after American authorities uncovered his credit card details during an investigation into a child pornography website, where Uwins had used his wife Patricia’s name as a password to access the illicit content.

Uwins owned Ace Optics, a prominent camera shop located in Green Street, Bath, as well as a branch in Yate. He was also a former chairman of the Transport and Highways Committee of Bath’s Chamber of Commerce, a position that added to his prominence in the local community. His arrest and subsequent conviction not only tarnished his reputation but also caused significant damage to his business relationships, with suppliers withdrawing from contracts and local residents subjecting him to verbal abuse.

During the court hearing, it was revealed that among the 842 images, 66 were classified in the most severe category, with an additional 245 images, including three movies, falling into the next most serious classification. The images predominantly featured children under ten, and Uwins admitted that he had paid for adult pornography, which was accompanied by pop-up ads inviting him to view the indecent images of children. He claimed that his interest was purely curiosity and that he no longer had any inclination towards such material.

Judge Martin Picton emphasized the gravity of Uwins’s actions, stating, “This is not child porn; it is child abuse. They are of the most gross and awful kind, and children suffered to produce those images. The children involved in a number of those images were babies being abused, and you paid for that privilege on three occasions.” The judge also highlighted the potential danger posed by such material, noting that it fuels ongoing abuse and exploitation.

Following the conviction, the police and court officials discussed the possibility of varying the sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) that Uwins was subject to. The order, which was initially broad, prohibited Uwins from accessing pornography on the internet but did not restrict other means of viewing such material. The court acknowledged that the order might be overly restrictive and could be adjusted to better suit the circumstances.

In addition to his previous conviction, Uwins was found in possession of 3.5 grams of mephedrone, a Class B drug, and an equal amount of cannabis. He also possessed a weapon designed for the discharge of CS gas, which was described as “curious in the extreme” but considered minor in the context of his other offenses. The judge decided to suspend a four-month jail sentence for these additional offenses, meaning Uwins would not serve time unless he committed further violations within the following year.

Throughout the proceedings, Uwins, who has since changed his surname from David Uwins to Ewins, maintained a stance of remorse and claimed to be a man of many talents who had contributed positively to his community. Despite this, the court made it clear that respect for the law and compliance with court orders are paramount. The judge underscored that while Uwins did not currently pose a danger, his previous breaches and the nature of his offenses warranted a stern but suspended sentence.

In conclusion, David Uwins, formerly of Bath and Langridge, was sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for 12 months, for breaching the sexual harm prevention order. The court also ordered the forfeiture of his computers and iPad, citing their value, although this was deferred to a later date. The case has left a lasting impact on the local community, highlighting the ongoing battle against child exploitation and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding children from harm.