…By Jack Sylva for TDPel Media.
A 60-year-old man named Lyndon Davies was discovered with over 1,000 indecent images of children, along with a stun gun and live ammunition, despite being prohibited from owning such items.
Additionally, he possessed prohibited images depicting cartoons of child abuse.
Discovery of Indecent Images:
In July of last year, the police visited Davies’ residence in Swansea, where they seized electronic equipment.
During their search, they uncovered various sexually explicit images of children, highlighting the severity of the offense committed by the defendant.
Nature and Quantity of Images:
At the sentencing hearing held at Swansea Crown Court, it was revealed that Davies possessed 408 category A images, 231 category B images, and 455 category C images.
Moreover, a staggering 7,000 prohibited images of children were also found, exacerbating the gravity of the situation.
Weapons and Ammunition Found:
In the course of searching Davies’ property, law enforcement officials discovered a significant cache of weapons and ammunition.
The police seized multiple live rounds of ammunition, air rifles, a crossbow, a Taser disguised as a torch, and two stun gun-type devices, all of which Davies was prohibited from possessing.
Guilty Plea and Previous Character:
Davies, a resident of Townhill, pleaded guilty to charges of possessing indecent and prohibited images of children, possessing a weapon for discharge of noxious liquid, and possessing ammunition for a firearm without a certificate.
The court acknowledged that he had previously been of good character.
Mitigation and Health Issues:
During mitigation, Davies’ lawyer, David Leathley, stated that his client suffered from ill health, which would make immediate custody challenging.
He explained that Davies had undergone the amputation of one leg due to a combination of health problems and had a stoma fitted.
Sentencing and Recorder’s Remarks:
The sentencing, presided over by Recorder Simon Mills, emphasized the gravity of possessing indecent images of real children being sexually abused.
The court acknowledged that Davies had previously been involved in firearms as a member of a rifle club, but his health issues led him to retain unnecessary items.
Nevertheless, the possession of a charged-up stun gun, a prohibited item, was deemed unjustifiable.
Sentence and Requirements:
Davies received a 20-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.
He was also ordered to complete a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement and made subject to sex offender notification requirements.
Furthermore, he was placed under a sexual harm prevention order for a period of 10 years.
Conclusion:
Lyndon Davies’ case demonstrates the serious nature of possessing indecent images of children, as well as the unlawful possession of weapons and ammunition.
The court’s sentencing decision aimed to address the offense while considering the defendant’s health issues and previous character.