Holywell man spared jail after admitting indecent image offences

Lee Braddock, of High Street in Holywell, appeared at Mold Crown Court on Thursday for sentence.

The 28-year-old had previously admitted three counts of making indecent images of children, one of possessing a prohibited image and one of possessing an extreme pornographic image.

Simon Mintz, prosecuting, told the court the National Crime Agency passed intelligence from a social media service to North Wales Police regarding indecent images.

In August last year, officers executed a warrant at Braddock's home.

An iPhone and laptop were seized, and when they were analysed hundreds of indecent images were found.

There were 525 videos and two images at category a (the most serious category), 101 videos and an image at category B and 92 videos at category C.

Mr Mintz said a prohibited image was found, as well as an extreme pornographic image depicting a scene of rape.

Sion ap Mihangel, defending, told the court the author of a pre-sentence report on his client had concluded that he would benefit from exploring the impact of his difficult upbringing and that there was "scope" for him to work with probation services.

"This is a case where he has taken steps himself in the community to address his offending behaviour," he explained.

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"He has sought help from others and that is an important feature.

"He would welcome the intervention of other agencies."

Judge Niclas Parry told the defendant: "This is an extremely serious example of making indecent images of children.

"The starting point here is aggravated by there being so many images and so many of those were moving.

"Clearly, only a custodial sentence can be justified."

But the Judge said the defendant was a hard working man in well paid employment and letters of reference spoke of him as a "very supportive father."

He also had no previous convictions, leading the Judge to say he'd "clearly acted out of character."

On the category A images, Judge Parry handed down an 18 month custodial sentence, but suspended it for two years.

He said the community would be far better served by the defendant undertaking work to address his offending behaviour.

Braddock must complete 45 days of rehabilitation activity and 300 hours of unpaid work for the benefit of the community.

He was ordered to pay £420 costs and a £156 victim surcharge - and will be subject to notification requirements and a sexual harm prevention order for 10 years.

No separate penalty was imposed regarding the other charges.

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