SIMON SMITH PLEADS GUILTY TO SEX OFFENCES IN PONTNEWYDD AND CWMBRAN

In September 2012, Simon Smith, a 47-year-old resident of Five Locks Road, Pontnewydd, became the subject of a police investigation involving online sexual misconduct. Police from Strathclyde were examining a separate case related to a girl who had been sending nude photos via webcam. During this investigation, they uncovered evidence of Smith's contact with the girl.

Gwent Police visited Smith’s home in August 2011, confiscating his computer and mobile phone for forensic analysis, which subsequently led to his arrest two months later. Cardiff Crown Court heard that Smith used chatrooms and file-sharing sites to communicate with underage girls in a largely sexual manner.

A romantic relationship developed with one girl, during which both sent each other explicit pictures, including images of her topless. Throughout many conversations, Smith referred to himself as ‘daddy’ and encouraged her to perform sexual acts on webcam for his entertainment.

Authorities also discovered 29 extreme pornographic images on his computer, some depicting sexual acts involving animals. Defending solicitor Andrew Twomlow stated that Smith was previously of good character and was the primary carer for his elderly mother.

Twomlow explained that the online exchanges occurred over an eight-day span and that the girl was a willing participant. He also mentioned that the extreme images were stored on Smith’s older computer and were of considerable age.

Smith pleaded guilty to multiple charges: five counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, four counts of making indecent images of a child, one count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and one count of possessing extreme pornographic images.

Judge Patrick Curran QC considered sentencing options and indicated that he was willing to suspend a 12-month prison sentence for two years due to Smith’s dependency on his mother. The judge emphasized that such offences are "a matter of great concern to all right-thinking people."

Earlier, in August 2012, Smith also admitted to sexual offences in Cwmbran. He appeared at Newport Crown Court and pleaded guilty to five counts of sexual activity in the presence of a child, one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, possessing extreme pornographic images, and four counts of making indecent photographs of a child. His offences spanned from March 2005 to August 2011.

Smith was released on bail and scheduled for sentencing at a later date. He was also ordered to register as a sex offender.