FREDERICO SALAMINO FROM SWANSEA ESCAPES JAIL AFTER CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES

In September 2012, a graduate of Swansea Metropolitan University named Frederico Salamino faced serious allegations related to the possession of indecent images involving children and animals. The case was heard at Swansea Magistrates’ Court, where it was revealed that Salamino, residing on Bernard Street in the Uplands area, had been found to possess a significant collection of illicit material on his computer equipment.

Specifically, authorities discovered that Salamino had stored approximately 1,180 indecent images of children under the age of 18. These images were classified as Level 1 on the severity scale, which ranges from 1 to 5, with Level 1 being the least serious but still highly concerning. The children depicted in these images were believed to be as young as 6 and 10 years old.

In addition to the child pornography, law enforcement uncovered 29 images involving bestiality. The charges included possession of images that portrayed acts of intercourse or oral sex with animals, explicitly mentioning a dog as the subject of these acts. This aspect of the case added a disturbing dimension to the proceedings.

Prosecutor Anwen Evans explained that Salamino’s arrest was initiated after his former girlfriend contacted a counselling website, raising concerns about his viewing habits related to child pornography. Following this tip-off, police issued an arrest warrant for Salamino at his previous residence on Rhondda Street. During police interviews, Salamino refused to cooperate, replying only with a firm “No comment.”

His computer equipment was seized for forensic analysis, which ultimately led to the discovery of the indecent images in March of that year. The investigation revealed the extent of his possession and the nature of the material stored on his devices.

During the court hearing, defense lawyer Peter Singh highlighted that Salamino, originally from Italy, had begun voluntarily seeing a behavioural therapist to address his offending behavior. Singh emphasized that Salamino was well-liked by his family despite the charges and that he had no prior criminal record. He also noted that Salamino had been battling a long-standing interest in child pornography, which dated back over ten years.

Singh stated, “He fully accepts wrongdoing and wants to seek help to address his addiction. All images are Level 1, and there is no evidence they have been distributed or produced by him. The images were for his personal viewing only, and he has not shared them with others.”

Magistrate John Evans, presiding over the case, ordered Salamino to complete a three-year supervised community order and to participate in a sex-offenders rehabilitation program. Evans expressed the court’s serious stance on such offenses, stating, “We view these offences extremely seriously. You had over 1,000 images of children of a very young age. This is not acceptable behavior by anybody.”

He further added, “However, we are trying to help you with your problem by imposing a community order. If you fail to comply with any part of this order, you will be brought back to court, and that will be viewed very seriously.”

Additionally, Salamino was ordered to pay costs amounting to £85. The court’s decision aimed to balance the need for justice with an opportunity for rehabilitation, given the circumstances and Salamino’s willingness to seek help.