ROBERT MILLER FROM CARDIFF AND WHITCHURCH CAUGHT WITH CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IMAGES

In a disturbing case that has shocked the local community, Robert Miller, a civilian control room worker associated with South Wales Police, was found to possess a significant collection of indecent images of children. The investigation, which culminated in his arrest, revealed that Miller had more than 80 such photographs stored on his personal computer at his residence in Whitchurch, Cardiff.

These findings came to light after police officers executed a search warrant at Miller's home while he was on holiday. The operation was part of a broader investigation initiated by the Metropolitan Police in London, which was probing another sex offender linked to the online platform 'Teen Chat.' During the raid, anti-child pornography officers seized Miller's computer equipment and uncovered evidence that linked him to the illicit material.

The court heard that among the images recovered, fifteen were classified as seriously indecent, highlighting the severity of the material stored on Miller's devices. Additionally, investigators discovered that a further 57 indecent photographs had been deliberately deleted from his computer, suggesting an attempt to conceal the evidence.

Prosecutor David Webster detailed the case in Cardiff Crown Court, stating, “Miller was arrested following intelligence gathered by the Metropolitan Police. He claimed he had not intentionally acquired or downloaded the images and insisted he had not actively sought out such material.” The evidence included data related to the 'Teen Chat' online chat room, which was linked to the child abuse images found on his computer.

Miller, aged 54, who is also a grandfather and a respected member of St John Ambulance, faced multiple charges. He admitted to six counts of making indecent photographs of children and two counts of possessing such images. The investigation was overseen by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) because of his employment with South Wales Police. As a result of the findings, Miller was dismissed from his position in October.

During the court proceedings, his legal representative, Jannett Treharne, emphasized the personal toll on Miller, stating, “He has lost his job and has already suffered a great deal.”

Judge Philip Richards delivered a stern judgment, condemning Miller’s actions as “extremely wicked” and expressing disappointment that he failed to recognize the harm caused to innocent children through his conduct. The judge sentenced Miller to a three-year community service order and mandated that he register as a sex offender for five years.

Following the sentencing, an IPCC spokesperson revealed additional details about the investigation. It was disclosed that Bryn Bowen, a 43-year-old from Plumstead in South East London, had shared indecent images with Miller. Bowen had previously been jailed indefinitely in June at Woolwich Crown Court for taking explicit photographs of himself with a young child.

IPCC Wales Commissioner Tom Davies commented on the case, stating, “The initial investigation by the Metropolitan Police uncovered the transfer of these heinous images. A thorough investigation by South Wales Police led to Miller’s dismissal.”

In response to media inquiries, a South Wales Police spokeswoman declined to issue a statement regarding Miller’s case, emphasizing the force’s commitment to addressing such serious offenses and protecting vulnerable children.