ROBERT O’BRIEN FROM ANGLESEY AND BENLLECH CAUGHT WITH CHILD SEX ABUSE IMAGES

In August 2013, a disturbing case emerged involving Robert O’Brien, a 70-year-old resident of Anglesey, specifically from the town of Benllech. The court was informed that O’Brien possessed an alarming number of indecent images and videos depicting child abuse, with the total count reaching approximately 235,000 images and 870 videos. This revelation highlighted the severity of his actions and the extent of his illegal collection.

During proceedings at Caernarfon Crown Court, O’Brien admitted to both creating and possessing these indecent photographs of children. His defense acknowledged that he was driven by a compulsive urge to gather such material, describing his behavior as being 'in the grip of a compulsion.' The court heard that this obsession was the primary motivation behind his actions, which had caused significant concern and alarm.

Following his admission, O’Brien was granted bail while a pre-sentence report was prepared. The presiding judge, Philip Hughes, made it clear that the court would carefully consider all possible sentencing options, including the possibility of a custodial sentence, given the gravity of the offenses. The case underscored the serious nature of possessing such a vast collection of illegal images and the potential harm associated with child exploitation.

James Conod, representing O’Brien, emphasized his client’s remorse and shame, stating, 'Mr. O’Brien found himself in the grip of a compulsion to collect these images, that was his primary motivation. He is extremely ashamed and deeply sorry.' The court’s decision on sentencing was anticipated to reflect the severity of the crimes committed and the need for justice for the victims involved.