EDWARD DAVIES FROM MOLD CAUGHT IN CHILD ABUSE IMAGE SCANDAL IN NORTH WALES

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Mold, North Wales, Edward Lloyd Davies, aged 31, was found to be involved in the possession and discussion of indecent images of children. The incident came to light after authorities uncovered his activities during a police investigation that spanned both the UK and the United States.

Davies, who resides on New Street in Mold, was arrested in December 2017 following a warrant executed by North Wales Police at his home. During the search, officers seized multiple electronic devices, including laptops and other digital storage media. These devices revealed that Davies had been actively engaging in online video conferencing platforms such as Skype and Zoom to indulge in his disturbing interests.

Prosecutor Simon Mintz detailed to Mold Crown Court that the seized devices contained conversations and material that demonstrated Davies’s involvement with indecent images of children. Specifically, he was observed discussing and viewing content involving young boys being sexually abused, with clear indications of deriving pleasure from such acts. One of the conversations recovered involved Davies chatting with another Skype user, where both parties made comments about child abuse material they were watching simultaneously.

Further evidence showed that Davies had used Zoom to communicate with other users, where the language used was suggestive of penetration involving a very young girl. The court was told that on December 20, 2017, Davies was arrested at his residence and subsequently made no comment during police interviews. The investigation revealed a disturbing pattern of behavior, with the defendant showing a sexual interest in young boys and engaging in conversations that indicated he was actively seeking out such material.

In court, the prosecution highlighted the severity of Davies’s actions, emphasizing the aggravating factor of his interest in the penetration of young boys. The case also drew attention to the fact that Davies had a known sexual interest in male children, which contributed to the seriousness of the charges.

Pre-sentence reports presented in court suggested that Davies was suitable for a community-based sentence, citing his display of 'deep remorse' and his acknowledgment of the need for help. His legal representatives argued that he had shown genuine insight into his behavior and expressed willingness to engage with rehabilitative services.

Judge Niclas Parry addressed the court, acknowledging the gravity of the offenses and the suffering endured by the victims. He emphasized that such crimes involve exploitation, violence, and threats, which are intrinsic to sexual abuse. The judge stated that Davies’s actions contributed to the supply and demand of child abuse material and that he must be held accountable.

While recognizing Davies’s remorse and potential for rehabilitation, Judge Parry sentenced him to six months in prison on each of the two counts, to run concurrently. However, the judge suspended the sentence for two years, allowing Davies the opportunity to participate in various rehabilitative programs. He was ordered to attend 26 sessions of an accredited program, complete a rehabilitation requirement, and undertake unpaid community service.

Additionally, Davies is required to register as a sex offender for seven years and is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) for the same period. This order permits him to possess electronic devices such as laptops, mobile phones, and tablets, but mandates that these devices contain a browsing history accessible to authorities on demand. The electronic equipment seized during the investigation will be destroyed, and Davies was ordered to pay costs amounting to £1,200, payable at a rate of £50 per month.

The case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies in North Wales and beyond to combat the distribution and possession of child abuse images, and highlights the importance of vigilance and swift action in protecting vulnerable children from exploitation.