PONTYPOOL OFFENDER LIAM MORRIS SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IMAGES
In June 2021, Liam Morris, 27, of Penylan Road, Varteg, Pontypool, was sentenced after being found guilty of possessing indecent images of children.A judge described him as a “weak and sad man” during the sentencing.
Morris was caught downloading “horrible” child sex abuse films and pictures, which included images of girls as young as five.
Marian Lewis, prosecuting, stated that Gwent Police officers raided Morris’s home on September 15, 2020.
During the search, Morris admitted to the officers that he had illegal material stored on his mobile phone.
The police discovered 16 movies and 28 still images involving child abuse, categorized as A, B, and C.
Morris pleaded guilty to three counts of possession of indecent images of children.
Miss Lewis highlighted that he was a man of previous good character with no prior convictions.
Hilary Roberts, representing Morris in mitigation, said: “He was frank with the police when he was arrested and he pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.
This is a defendant with no previous convictions whatsoever.
He knows his behaviour is harmful and he describes it as shameful.
The defendant realises he must not do this.
He was under the influence of drink and drugs and has done his best to address that.” The court was informed that Morris had been viewing images primarily of girls aged between five and 14.
After his arrest, Morris told police, “It’s a stupid mistake.” Judge Recorder Richard Booth QC commented on the case, saying, “These were described as disturbing images.
Some of the victims were as young as five or six.
You have expressed some shame and remorse.
You live with your mother and two border collies.” Adding his judgment, Recorder Booth stated: “You are a weak and rather sad man and these are horrible offences.” Morris was sentenced to a three-year community order.
He is required to attend 30 sessions of a sex offender programme and complete a 30-day rehabilitation activity.
Additionally, he must carry out 150 hours of unpaid community work, pay a victim surcharge of £95, and register as a sex offender for 10 years.
Furthermore, a sexual harm prevention order has been made against him until 2031.
