Paedophile found with hundreds of vile child abuse images spared jail

A Wrexham man who had 200 indecent images of children as young as three has been spared jail. Robert Simmonds, 49, admitted possession of the images - some in the most serious category A - on his laptop and other devices.

A judge today called it "disturbing" offending but said it would be better for the community if he were rehabilitated rather than sent to prison immediately. He gave Simmonds, of Abernant in Acrefair, a 30-week jail term but suspended it for two years.

Prosecutor Catherine Elvin told Mold Crown Court that police executed a search warrant at his home on March 22 last year. Officers seized an Acer laptop and hard drives, and they contained 57 images in Category A, 21 images in category B, and 143 in category C.

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They showed children aged between three and 14-years-old. Ms Elvin also said experts found Simmonds had searched for terms involving children and sexual acts. In a police interview the defendant denied knowing about the material.

But he later admitted three counts of making indecent images of a child. Alexa Carrier, defending, said her client is remorseful and alcohol has played a part in his behaviour.

She said: "What shines out of the PSR (pre-sentence report) is the effect that alcohol has had on Mr Simmonds." She urged the judge to draw back from imposing a sentence of immediate custody and to punish the defendant in the community instead.

The judge His Honour Rhys Rowlands called it a "disturbing set of offences". But he said it had been out of character.

Simmonds has been a carer for his wife, who has moved out to a flat, and helps his mother. He gave him the suspended sentence.

He must do up to 50 days of rehabilitation activities and go on an alcohol treatment programme for six months. The defendant, who is not working, must also pay a £154 surcharge.

He will also be subject to a sexual harm prevention order and must sign the sex offenders' register, informing the authorities about where he lives, both for ten years.

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