OWEN ROBERTS FROM BRIDGEND JAILED FOR CHILD INDECENCY OFFENSES IN CARDIFF AND BARRY
In a series of disturbing incidents spanning several years, Owen Roberts, a 27-year-old man from Bridgend, has been convicted and sentenced for possessing indecent images of children and related offenses.The sequence of events highlights a troubling pattern of criminal behavior involving the exploitation of minors and the illegal possession of explicit material.
In November 2017, Roberts appeared before Cardiff Crown Court to face charges stemming from his continued access to child abuse images despite prior convictions and court orders.
The court was informed that Roberts had previously been jailed for making and possessing such images and was under a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Nevertheless, he persisted in viewing and downloading indecent images, breaching the restrictions imposed upon him.
The police investigation began when officers from South Wales Police visited Roberts’ mother’s residence on Craig-fryn Terrace in Nantymoel, Bridgend, on September 1.
During the search, an officer examined a desktop computer, which Roberts claimed had software installed to automatically delete internet history, attempting to conceal his activities.
The computer was subsequently seized and taken to the force’s high-tech unit for detailed analysis.
Examination of the device revealed a disturbing collection of illegal material, including 25 still images and one moving image classified as Category A, which is the most severe classification.
The images depicted a three to four-year-old girl.
Additionally, the computer contained 15 images of Category B and 105 images of Category C.
The investigation also uncovered searches related to child abuse material and files stored on a USB device, further implicating Roberts in ongoing illegal activity.
Further police action led to Roberts’ arrest at his home in Holton Road, Barry.
During questioning, Roberts admitted to the existence of a USB stick but claimed to have smashed it with a hammer to destroy evidence.
Officers also discovered cannabis in his bedroom, adding to the charges against him.
Roberts pleaded guilty to three counts of possessing indecent images and one count of possessing cannabis.
His criminal history includes a previous court appearance in July 2016, where he was sentenced for multiple offenses related to child abuse images.
At that time, he received a three-year community order with a rehabilitation requirement.
However, in May of the same year, Roberts was sentenced to 16 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute indecent images.
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Patrick Curran QC acknowledged Roberts’ remorse and guilty plea but emphasized the seriousness of his actions.
The judge stated, “You have been very frank and pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and I accept you feel remorse and shame but you leave the court no option other than to pass a custodial sentence.” Roberts’ criminal activities have caused significant concern, especially given his repeated offenses involving child exploitation material.
His case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat such heinous crimes and protect vulnerable minors from exploitation and abuse.
