GARY BODEN FROM PONTARDAWE ESCAPES JAIL DESPITE HORRIFIC CHILD SEX AND BESTIALITY IMAGES FOUND IN SWANSEA VALLEY

In a case that has shocked the Swansea Valley community, Gary Boden, a man residing in Pontardawe, was found to possess a disturbing collection of illegal and highly disturbing images and videos involving children and bestiality. Despite the severity of the evidence against him, Boden avoided imprisonment, receiving instead a community-based sentence that includes strict monitoring and rehabilitation measures.

In February 2017, police officers responded to a tip-off indicating that someone at Boden's address in Pontardawe was sharing extreme child abuse images online. Acting on this information, authorities conducted a search of Boden's residence and seized his computer hard drives and mobile phone. The investigation uncovered a total of 77 sexual images of children, with five classified as Category A, denoting the most severe and explicit type of child abuse imagery. The youngest child depicted in these images was approximately five years old, highlighting the heinous nature of the material Boden possessed.

Additionally, law enforcement officials discovered a video involving bestiality on Boden's computer. The investigation also revealed that Boden had actively searched the internet for images of pre-teen girls, indicating a disturbing pattern of interest. Although officers were unable to access the contents of his mobile phone directly, they found a sex abuse film featuring a girl aged around 12 on the SIM card, further emphasizing the extent of his illegal activities.

During court proceedings, prosecutor Janet Gedrych clarified that initial suspicions of file-sharing were unfounded, as there was no evidence to suggest Boden had distributed the images to others. Instead, the focus was on his possession of these illegal materials. Boden, aged 31 at the time, admitted to three counts of making indecent images of children and possessing an extreme pornographic image when he appeared before Swansea Crown Court for sentencing. It was noted that he had no prior criminal record, which may have influenced the court's decision.

Judge Gregory Bull addressed the court, emphasizing the gravity of the images Boden had stored. He stated that to produce such images, vulnerable young girls are subjected to the most appalling forms of abuse. The judge underscored the importance of protecting society's most vulnerable members, declaring, "Society has to protect young girls from the likes of you."

Ultimately, Boden was sentenced to a three-year community order, which includes requirements for rehabilitation and participation in a sex offender treatment program. Additionally, he was placed on the sex offenders register for five years and subjected to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order. This order grants police the authority to monitor his internet activity closely, aiming to prevent any future offenses and safeguard the community from potential harm.