MATHEW SAMWAYS FROM BARRY SENTENCED IN LONDON FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY AND SEXUAL OFFENSES

In a case that has shocked the community and drawn widespread attention, Mathew Samways, a resident of Barry, was convicted of serious sexual offenses involving minors and possession of indecent images. The incident dates back to 2012, but the legal proceedings and subsequent sentencing have continued to unfold over the past years.

Samways, aged 28 at the time of sentencing, was found to have engaged in sexual activities with two underage girls he met through online platforms. Initially, he believed both girls were over the age of 16, which was a misconception that persisted even after he discovered their true ages. The first girl was met after Samways connected with her on an adult website where she had posted explicit images of herself and claimed she was of legal age. They arranged to meet in person, and he picked her up and drove her to a beach, where they engaged in sexual activity for the first time. Despite learning she was underage, Samways continued their relationship.

Similarly, he met the second girl online, initially believing she was older, and continued to have sex with her after discovering she was underage. These actions were carried out despite his awareness of their true ages, which he concealed from authorities and others involved.

During the investigation, police uncovered a disturbing collection of over 100 images depicting children in sexualized poses and situations on Samways’s computer. The judge overseeing the case, Stephen Hopkins QC, described these images as “the worst he had seen in his career,” highlighting the severity of the material involved. Samways admitted to downloading these images for his own sexual gratification and fully cooperated with police regarding his activities with the first girl, although she chose not to provide a statement.

Further complicating the case, while on bail for the initial charges, Samways continued his sexual relationship with the second girl. This was only uncovered after a relative of the girl discovered the ongoing relationship and reported it to authorities. The police investigation revealed that Samways had made online boasts about his sexual exploits, including a statement claiming he was “technically a rapist,” unaware that his online activities were being monitored.

In August of the previous year, Samways was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court to seven years in prison after admitting to five counts of sexual activity with a child, 13 counts of making indecent images of children, and one count of possessing such images. At that time, he was described as having no prior convictions, maintaining a stable relationship, holding a full-time job, and owning his own home in Barry.

However, the sentence was later reduced to six years by the Court of Appeal in London. The judges, including Mr. Justice Wyn Williams, acknowledged that while the offenses were extremely serious, the original seven-year term was excessive. They emphasized that Samways’s full admissions to police, especially regarding his activities with the first girl, should have been given more weight during sentencing. The court concluded that a six-year sentence was more appropriate, balancing justice with the circumstances of the case.

Legal representatives for Samways argued that the initial sentence did not sufficiently consider his cooperation and admissions, which could have facilitated a successful prosecution. The appellate court agreed, stating that the original sentence failed to adequately reflect his guilty plea and the seriousness of his crimes. The ruling underscores the importance of considering all aspects of a defendant’s cooperation and remorse in sentencing decisions, especially in cases involving child exploitation and possession of indecent images.