NICK HUGHES FROM BANGOR CAUGHT WITH CHILD PORNOGRAPHY ON HIS COMPUTERS

In a disturbing case that has shocked the community of Bangor, a student from Bangor University was found to be in possession of a significant amount of illegal and highly disturbing material. The individual, identified as Nick Hughes, aged 22, who was studying psychology at the university, was discovered to have nearly 2,400 images and over a hundred video files containing child pornography on his personal computers.

Authorities became involved after Hughes reached out for help from fellow students, prompting concern among his peers. The NSPCC, a child protection charity, responded to a call from another student, which ultimately led to police being called to investigate Hughes' digital devices. During the subsequent search, law enforcement officials uncovered a total of 2,395 still images and 138 video recordings depicting children engaged in sexual acts, some of the most severe and disturbing forms of abuse.

Hughes, who resides on Holyhead Road in Bangor, was promptly arrested and taken into custody. His case was initially heard at Caernarfon Crown Court, where he admitted to making and possessing indecent images. The presiding judge, Philip Hughes, issued a stern warning, indicating that he was considering a custodial sentence. The case was then adjourned for further investigations.

Following additional inquiries, the case was brought before Mold Crown Court, where Judge Hughes delivered a verdict that, while not imposing immediate imprisonment, resulted in a suspended sentence. Hughes was sentenced to ten months in prison, suspended for two years, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed another offence within that period. Additionally, he was placed under supervision for two years and mandated to attend a community sex offender group program.

As part of the court's orders, the hard drives from Hughes' two computers were confiscated and forfeited. Furthermore, a 10-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) was issued to restrict his future activities and monitor his behavior. Hughes was also ordered to register as a sex offender with the police for the next decade and to pay costs amounting to £340.

During the sentencing, Judge Hughes emphasized the severity of the crimes, noting that the images involved children under 13 years of age, with some of the most serious images depicting children as young as four or five. The judge expressed his disapproval, stating, “Count yourself lucky that you are not going straight to prison today.” He further explained that Hughes' involvement in such offences contributed to the ongoing abuse of young children, which the court must take very seriously.

In mitigation, Hughes' legal representative highlighted his cooperation with authorities, his guilty pleas, his young age, and his previous good character. The defense also pointed out that Hughes was in his second year at Bangor University studying psychology, and that the university had allowed him to suspend his studies during the legal proceedings.

Jeff Clarke, representing Hughes, acknowledged the gravity of the situation and requested a suspended sentence, arguing that it would give Hughes the opportunity to complete his degree. Clarke also noted that the conviction would have lifelong repercussions, severely limiting Hughes' future employment prospects. He mentioned that Hughes had previously sought help for self-esteem issues, with a university counselor confirming this prior to his arrest.

Overall, the court recognized the seriousness of the offences but took into account Hughes' cooperation, remorse, and circumstances. The judge concluded that Hughes' actions had caused significant harm, and while he was fortunate not to face immediate imprisonment, the penalties imposed serve as a stern warning for such heinous crimes.