SAUNDERSFOOT SEX OFFENDER MICHAEL GOULDINGAY JAILED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY OFFENSES

In a case that has shocked the small community of Saundersfoot, 75-year-old resident Michael Gouldingay has been found guilty of possessing and creating indecent images of children. The incident came to light after authorities conducted a search at his home in Scandinavia Heights in June, leading to the seizure of multiple electronic devices, including computers, laptops, and memory sticks.

Analysis by the high-tech crime unit based in Carmarthen revealed that Gouldingay had downloaded a total of 65 indecent images of children, with 27 classified as the more serious Category A. These images depicted children in explicit and sexualized contexts, raising significant concerns about the severity of his offenses.

Further investigation uncovered a disturbing collection of videos, including one that exceeded two hours in length. This particular video involved children aged between eight and 12, and contained graphic sexual content involving both minors and adults. Prosecutors described the material as not merely a few photographs or short clips but extended, explicit movies that depict ongoing sexual abuse.

Vaughan Pritchard-Jones, the prosecutor, detailed the findings to the magistrates, emphasizing the disturbing nature of the evidence. He stated, “The equipment was analysed by the high tech crime unit in Carmarthen and a number of category A, B, and C images were found.”

Gouldingay appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates last Tuesday, where he pleaded guilty to three charges related to making indecent photographs or pseudo-photographs of children, covering the period from March 1, 2014, to April 30, 2016. The court heard that the images and videos found on his devices were highly graphic and sexually explicit.

Following his guilty plea, the magistrates decided to send the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentencing. Gouldingay is scheduled to appear again on April 28. In the meantime, he was released on unconditional bail but was ordered to report as a convicted sexual offender at his local police station. Additionally, he was sentenced to 12 months in jail, suspended for two years, and ordered to complete 10 days of a rehabilitation activity. As part of his sentence, Gouldingay is also subject to a five-year sexual harm prevention order that restricts his access to children and the internet, and he must register with the police as a sex offender.

This case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat child exploitation and the importance of vigilance within communities like Saundersfoot to protect vulnerable minors from such heinous crimes.