In 2018, the Offender Database reported that Gareth Roach, then 33, of Lisburn Court, Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly, Gwent, was sentenced for the possession of child abuse material. On Friday, 27 April 2018, Roach appeared at Newport Crown Court for sentencing after a police raid at his home uncovered more than 1,000 “horrible” films and pictures on his mobile phone.
The investigation established that Gwent Police conducted a raid earlier that month and seized devices containing 48 Category A images—the most serious level of abuse—along with 63 Category B and 911 Category C files. The prosecution reported that the victims depicted in the footage ranged from babies to 14-year-old girls. Roach admitted to three counts of making indecent images between August 2017 and April 2018.
Judicial Findings and Investigative Detail
The court reported that Roach represented himself during the hearing and expressed a desire for counselling, stating that some of the images had horrified him. Recorder Simon Mills noted that the images were “horrible” and praised the speed of the Gwent Police investigation. The judge emphasised that by downloading such material, individuals like Roach contribute to the enjoyment of the “evil and sick” abusers who produce the content for internet distribution.
The judge noted that Roach had no previous convictions and had experienced a “nightmare” period on remand at HMP Parc in Bridgend, which included suicidal thoughts. The prosecution emphasised that despite the “serious” nature of the Category A images, there was a prospect for rehabilitation. For his crimes in Ystrad Mynach and Gwent, the court determined that a community-based sentence with mandatory specialist treatment was an appropriate alternative to further immediate custody.
Sentence and Statutory Requirements
For his crimes in Wales, Gareth Roach was handed:
- Community Order: A three-year community order.
- Treatment: Mandatory attendance at the Horizon sex offender treatment programme.
- SHPO: Made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for five years.
- Sex Offenders Register: Notification requirements were activated for five years.
- Convictions: Admitted three counts of making indecent images of children.
Monitoring and Public Protection
Roach is managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) by Gwent Police and the Probation Service. Due to the nature of the material involving infants and his stated “issues,” his conduct is subject to oversight by the Public Protection Unit.
As a member of the Sex Offenders Register, Roach must comply with mandatory notification requirements regarding his residence in Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly, Gwent. Authorities state that the Horizon programme and the SHPO are vital safeguards for his rehabilitation. Any breach of his registration conditions, his SHPO, or his community order will result in his immediate arrest and return to Newport Crown Court.
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