HAYDN GOLDING FROM BRIDGEND AND MAESTEG SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ABUSE AND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

In August 2017, a 77-year-old man named Haydn Golding was sentenced to a total of six years and eight months in prison at Cardiff Crown Court after being found guilty of multiple serious offenses involving sexual misconduct and the possession of explicit images of children.

Golding, who resides on Nolton Street in Bridgend, faced a series of charges that included three counts of possessing indecent images of children, three counts of indecent assault, and one count of indecency. His solicitor, Giles Hayes, addressed the court, expressing Golding’s bleak outlook by stating, “He believes he will die in prison.”

During the proceedings, Judge Stephen Hopkins described some of the indecent images found on Golding’s devices as “appalling,” emphasizing that “any normal person would find them disgusting and nauseating.” The judge further explained that the discovery of these images uncovered a history of Golding’s previous criminal behavior.

Prosecutor Julian Greenwood provided details about the investigation, revealing that the indecent images were uncovered while Golding was living in Maesteg. This discovery prompted further police inquiries, which eventually revealed that Golding had been involved in historic sexual abuse cases.

Regarding the images, Greenwood stated that Golding fully cooperated with law enforcement, admitting, “Yes, I know what you are talking about. It is on a laptop downstairs. My wife doesn’t know anything about it or how to switch it on.” The police found that the laptop contained class A images, which are considered the most serious, depicting the rape and torture of young children.

The victim, who was subjected to the abuse, expressed her fear and trauma in an impact statement, saying, “The abuse has had a profound effect on me. It has affected my confidence.” The court acknowledged the significant and lasting impact the assaults had on her life.

In response to the findings, Judge Hopkins imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order on Golding and mandated that he register as a sex offender for life, underscoring the severity of his crimes and the ongoing risk he poses to the community.