MATTHEW DAVIES FROM GILFACH SENTENCED FOR CHILD INDECENT IMAGES IN CARDIFF

In a serious case that has shocked the local community of Gilfach, Matthew Davies, a 43-year-old rugby coach, was found guilty of possessing indecent images of children and other explicit material. The incident came to light after authorities uncovered a collection of illegal images stored on his mobile device, leading to his arrest and subsequent court proceedings.

Davies, who resided on Thomas Street in Gilfach near Bargoed, was responsible for coaching young players in the under-11s and under-7s teams for RFC. His role within the community was well-known, making the allegations and subsequent conviction particularly disturbing for those who trusted him with their children.

The case was brought before Cardiff Crown Court on Thursday, August 11, where Davies faced sentencing. The court heard that between January 24 and April 6 of the same year, Davies had been in possession of multiple indecent images of children, including some classified as Category A, which is considered the most severe category involving rape and torture imagery. These images, along with videos, were discovered on his mobile phone during the investigation.

In addition to the possession of child abuse images, Davies was also found to have extreme pornographic material involving animals, specifically a horse, which he also possessed. This particular offense added to the severity of his charges and the overall sentence handed down.

As part of his punishment, Davies was ordered to complete a three-year community order, which includes a requirement to undertake a 40-hour rehabilitation course aimed at addressing his behavior. Furthermore, he was sentenced to perform 160 hours of unpaid work, emphasizing the seriousness with which the court viewed his actions.

In addition to the community order and unpaid work, Davies was placed on the sex offenders register for a period of five years. He was also ordered to pay prosecution costs amounting to £515. The court's decision reflects the gravity of his offenses and the need to protect the community from potential harm.

In response to the case, the Welsh Rugby Union took immediate action by permanently suspending Davies from all rugby-related activities. This suspension underscores the organization's commitment to safeguarding young players and maintaining integrity within the sport.

Overall, the case of Matthew Davies highlights the ongoing issues surrounding the possession and distribution of illegal images, and the legal system's efforts to hold offenders accountable and prevent further harm to vulnerable individuals.