DEAN COLES FROM NEWPORT SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES AND ABUSE MATERIALS
In a case that has shocked the Newport community, 48-year-old Dean Coles was found guilty of possessing a significant collection of child sexual abuse images and videos, as well as attempting to engage in inappropriate online communication with a minor.The incident came to light after authorities received a tip-off from the National Crime Agency, prompting a swift investigation by Gwent Police.
Just before Christmas, officers executed an arrest warrant at Coles' residence on Schooner Avenue in Newport.
During the search, they seized multiple electronic devices, which contained disturbing material.
Coles, when questioned, attempted to downplay the severity of his actions, telling his wife, “It’s not good.
There’s stuff on there.” He further claimed that he was aware of the content but did not see any harm in it, asserting that there were no images involving young children, referring to them as “little ones.” Coles attempted to justify his possession of the illicit material by describing it as “just a bit of banter and fun,” a statement that was met with disapproval from the court.
Prosecutor Susan Ferrier highlighted that the defendant also engaged in online communication with a 15-year-old girl, who sent him explicit photographs of herself via social media platform Twitter.
The investigation revealed that Coles had been in contact with an unidentified minor, attempting to solicit sexual images and messages from her.
During the court proceedings at Cardiff Crown Court, Coles pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including possession of three Class A, two Class B, and six Class C images or videos depicting children involved in sexual activities.
He also admitted to attempting to communicate sexually with a girl under the age of 16.
The court was informed that Coles had already served the equivalent of approximately four months in custody since his arrest on December 10, 2020.
Judge Recorder IWL Jones addressed Coles directly, stating, “I am satisfied you did this for your own sexual gratification.
It wasn’t banter, it wasn’t fun, in your words to the police.
Real children are sexually abused in these videos.” The judge emphasized the seriousness of the offenses and the harm caused to victims involved in such material.
As a result, Coles was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for two years.
He was also ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid community work and participate in a 30-day rehabilitation program.
Additionally, he is required to register as a sex offender for the next ten years and is subject to a sexual harm prevention order that will remain in effect until 2031.
The case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat online child exploitation and protect vulnerable minors from harm.
