EX-POLICE INSPECTOR GERAINT EVANS FROM BRIDGEND AND BARRY JAILED FOR CHILD SEX WEB CHAT CRIMES

In a disturbing case that has shocked the South Wales community, former police inspector Geraint Lloyd Evans, aged 48 and residing in Bridgend, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for his involvement in a conspiracy to encourage the sexual assault of a child under the age of 13. The court proceedings, held at Swansea Crown Court, revealed that Evans, who also lived in Barry at Purdey Close, engaged in illicit online discussions with other men about child abuse, displaying a disturbing pattern of behavior that betrayed his former role as a law enforcement officer.

Despite having received commendations for bravery during his police career, Evans was publicly condemned for living a double life. The court heard that he had failed in his most fundamental duty as an officer to protect the vulnerable, instead participating in conversations that promoted and encouraged heinous acts against children. Evans also admitted to possessing a total of 179 images depicting extreme pornography, further illustrating his involvement in disturbing activities.

The investigation into Evans' online activities began after police arrested Keith Bold, a 48-year-old man from Neath Abbey, with whom Evans had been communicating. Authorities seized Bold’s computer and uncovered indecent images of children, as well as traced conversations that linked him to Evans and other co-defendants. These conversations, which took place in internet chatrooms, revealed a shared sickening interest in children as young as four years old.

During the court proceedings, it was disclosed that Evans used the online pseudonym ‘Southwalescouple’ and engaged in exchanges with Bold, Leslie Asser, aged 54 from Ross-on-Wye, and Wayne Barnes, aged 50 from Morriston, Swansea. The discussions included explicit proposals and fantasies involving young children, with Evans suggesting the possibility of meeting at a friend’s house in Caerphilly to indulge in their depraved interests. Bold responded positively, expressing a desire to have young children to play with, and Evans indicated that some of his acquaintances might be willing to oblige, provided they knew the individuals were genuine.

All four men faced serious charges. Asser received a 30-month prison sentence, Barnes was sentenced to 27 months, and Bold, who was already serving an earlier sentence, was given an additional 18 months. They were all banned from working with children and placed on the sex offenders’ register, reflecting the severity of their crimes.

Evans’ defense lawyer, Tim Evans, explained that his client’s life had taken a downward turn after he was involved in a series of traumatic incidents, including being run over while attempting to arrest car thieves and having his police vehicle rammed. These events led to depression, excessive alcohol consumption, and high doses of medication, which left Evans feeling like a “walking zombie.” The lawyer emphasized that Evans had been highly decorated and recognized for bravery during his police service but had lost touch with reality in recent years.

Furthermore, the defense highlighted that Evans had lost approximately £100,000 after being dismissed from his position in September, following a decision by the South Wales Police chief constable that he should have been preventing crime rather than encouraging it. The case also brought to light the tragic backstories of some of the other defendants. For instance, Wayne Barnes had suffered severe burns in an explosion at Port Talbot steelworks in 2001, which contributed to personal difficulties, including the collapse of his marriage. Leslie Asser, who had a prior conviction for indecent assault on a child, was described as having unresolved psychological issues.

Judge Paul Thomas addressed the court, expressing his view that none of the defendants had acted on their depraved fantasies in reality, but he condemned their online activities as a serious breach of trust and morality. He emphasized that the internet, while beneficial in many ways, also facilitates the easy connection of individuals with sick-minded intentions, allowing them to fuel each other’s depravity. The judge pointed out that these men, despite being responsible family men, had egged each other on to commit acts against children, convincing themselves they were not alone in their warped desires.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Thomas underscored the profound failure of Evans, who was once a man the public looked up to as a police officer. He stated that Evans had lived a lie for years, cloaked in respectability but ultimately failing in his duty to protect the vulnerable. The judge highlighted that Evans’ actions had betrayed the trust placed in him and that his position of authority made his crimes even more egregious.

Tom Davies from the Independent Police Commission in Wales commented on the case, condemning Evans’ abuse of his position of trust. He stressed that Evans’ criminal behavior against children and his breach of police standards were deeply unacceptable. Davies reaffirmed that the vast majority of police officers uphold the highest standards of integrity and that Evans’ actions serve as a stark reminder that no one is above the law, even those in positions of authority. He also pointed out that this case demonstrates there is no hiding place for individuals who engage in illegal activities on the internet, emphasizing the importance of accountability and vigilance in the digital age.