RICHARD FORD OF HACKNEY FACES SERIOUS CHILD SEX OFFENCE CHARGES IN SWANSEA

A man with a troubling history of criminal behavior, Richard Ford, aged 51, has admitted to a series of serious allegations involving sexual misconduct and the possession of indecent images of children. Ford, who previously worked as a social worker for a local council, appeared before Swansea Crown Court on Friday, December 8, to face a total of ten charges that spanned over a period of ten months.

The court proceedings revealed that Ford was implicated in three separate incidents of sexual assault against a woman in Pembrokeshire. These assaults took place in November 2021, and again in June and August of the following year. The details of these incidents were presented during the hearing, highlighting the severity of the offences.

In addition to the sexual assault allegations, Ford was charged with seven other sexual crimes committed within the same geographical area. The prosecution outlined that Ford possessed a staggering total of 910 indecent images of children, which were categorized based on their severity. Among these, 254 images were classified as Category A, indicating the most severe level of indecency, while 123 images fell into Category B, and the remaining 533 images were categorized as Category C. These images were said to have been collected from September 30 of the previous year.

Further charges included the distribution or display of indecent images, involving 19 images that were accessed or shared between April 6 and September 30 of the previous year. Ford was also accused of attempting to induce a child to watch a sexual act, as well as arranging or facilitating a child sex offence, with these incidents reportedly occurring between April and September of the same year.

Richard Ford, who currently resides on Princess Way Road in Hackney, London, has accepted responsibility for all the charges brought against him. The presiding judge, Catherine Richards, has decided to postpone sentencing until January 31, and has ordered a pre-sentence report to be prepared in the meantime. During the hearing, Judge Richards made it clear that a custodial sentence was inevitable given the gravity of the offences.

Ford has been released on conditional bail, which includes a strict curfew from 6 pm to 6 am until his sentencing date. The case has prompted reactions from his former employer, Pembrokeshire County Council, which issued a statement to The Pembrokeshire Herald. The council acknowledged that an individual previously employed by them has been charged with multiple child sex offences, but emphasized that it was inappropriate to comment further while the criminal investigation remains active.

Additionally, the council noted that another individual connected to a local canoe club has been convicted of child-related sex offences, including grooming, and is currently serving a custodial sentence. The council clarified that this individual was not and is not an employee of the council.

In closing, the council reiterated its commitment to child protection, stating that it cooperates fully with law enforcement and takes all necessary steps to identify and support children affected by such offences. They also provided contact information for those with concerns about child welfare, including police contact numbers and emergency services.