NIGEL BATTERHAM CAUGHT IN BLAENAU FFESTINIOG INTERNET SCAM AND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CASE

In December 2014, Nigel William Batterham, a 56-year-old resident of Cwmorthin Road in Blaenau Ffestiniog, found himself embroiled in a serious criminal investigation after a series of events that revealed disturbing allegations. The case began when Batterham was deceived by a fraudulent internet warning scam that falsely claimed he was engaged in illegal activity online.

According to court proceedings, Batterham was browsing the internet when a pop-up message suddenly appeared on his screen. The warning indicated that he was downloading indecent images of children and suggested that his actions were illegal. The message further claimed that paying a fee of £100 would prevent further notices and supposedly resolve the issue. Believing the scam, Batterham thought that law enforcement agencies were monitoring his online activity, which prompted him to take immediate action.

He decided to go directly to the police station in March of the previous year, fearing that his family might discover his online activities. During his visit, he confessed to an officer that he had been downloading such material. The police responded swiftly, arresting Batterham and conducting a thorough search of his home. During the search, officers seized two laptop computers for detailed forensic examination. Prosecutor Mathew Curtis informed the court that investigators uncovered more than 1,000 indecent images of children on Batterham’s devices.

The evidence revealed that the majority of these images depicted young girls aged between six and 14 years old. In addition to the child exploitation material, investigators found over 80 extreme pornographic images, indicating a disturbing interest in highly explicit content. Despite the volume of material, there was no evidence to suggest that Batterham had been involved in distributing or sharing these images with others.

During police interviews, Batterham maintained his initial account, confirming that he had been downloading the images and refusing to answer further questions. He was subsequently charged with five counts of making and possessing indecent images of children, as well as possessing extreme pornographic material. His appearance before Caernarfon Crown Court followed, where he pleaded guilty to all charges. Earlier, he had appeared at Dolgellau Magistrates Court, where he admitted to the offences. The magistrates recognized that their sentencing powers were insufficient for such serious charges and referred the case to the crown court for sentencing.

At the hearing, Batterham was described as being of previously good character. His legal representative, Philip Clemo, emphasized that the police only discovered the offences because Batterham had voluntarily handed himself in. He urged the court to consider a suspended sentence, arguing that probation officers would need time to work with Batterham and address the underlying issues.

Judge Merfyn Hughes QC ultimately sentenced Batterham to eight months in prison, suspended for two years. In his remarks, the judge acknowledged the presence of both aggravating and mitigating factors in the case. As part of his sentence, Batterham will be under supervision by probation officers for two years, required to participate in an internet sexual offences treatment programme, and mandated to register as a sex offender for a period of seven years. The case highlights the dangers of internet scams and the serious consequences of engaging in the possession of child exploitation material, even when the initial discovery is made through deception or self-reporting.