A WREXHAM man has been spared jail after police found more than 70 indecent images of children on his devices.

Sean Haigh, of Hirwaun in Wrexham, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

The 55-year-old admitted at a previous hearing that between July and September last year, he made 78 category C indecent images of a child.

Jim Neary, prosecuting, told the court police received intelligence that indecent images were being downloaded at the defendant's home address.
A warrant was executed there in September last year and they were met by Haigh's partner as he was in bed.

When he got up, officers told him of their suspicions regarding indecent images and he told them: "That's me, yeah."

He handed over his devices and passwords.

A total of 78 indecent videos of children were found, as well as deleted files with names indicative of child sexual abuse.

Mr Neary said there was also evidence the defendant had tried to conceal his activity.

"He knew what he was doing was wrong," he explained, "and he made attempts to hide what he was doing."

READ MORE: Wrexham man admits making indecent child images

Emma Simoes, defending, told the court her client is a man of hitherto previous good character and asked that a recommended rehabilitation package with probation services be considered.

Deputy District Judge Owen Gerallt Jones told the defendant that while the custody threshold had been crossed, he was able to draw back from a prison sentence.

Haigh was handed a 12 month community order, with 20 days of rehabilitation work required.

He must also do 70 hours of unpaid work and was ordered to pay £85 costs and a £95 victim surcharge.

He will also be subject to registration requirements under the sexual offences act for five years.

 

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