Woman handed suspended sentence after sending photos of primary school child to known paedophile she was “in a relationship” with

A WELSH mother has avoided immediate prison after admitting she sent indecent photographs of her young daughter to a convicted paedophile she described as being “in a relationship” with.

The woman, aged in her 30s, was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court after pleading guilty to making and distributing an indecent image of a child.

The case emerged when West Mercia Police recovered images from a known sex offender’s device during an unrelated investigation. Officers identified that several of the images had been sent by the child’s mother and passed the intelligence to South Wales Police.

Eight photographs of the primary school-aged girl had been shared. One image, described in court as Category C, showed the child half-naked on a sofa.

When officers arrived at the family home to arrest her, the defendant was overheard telling her children: “Mummy has been in conversation with a silly man who had got her into trouble.”

During interview, the court heard she struggled to explain her behaviour. She told police her relationship with her partner at the time had broken down and she had felt “lost”, adding that she had “enjoyed the attention” from the man.

Sentencing, His Honour Paul Thomas KC described the offending as a “terrible breach of trust”.

He said sending such an image to a man she knew was a paedophile who wanted it for sexual gratification was “wholly beyond most people’s comprehension”.

The judge added it was fortunate her “pandering” to the offender had been uncovered before matters escalated further.

While acknowledging that any punishment would “pale into insignificance” compared with the lifelong consequences for the family, he said the offence crossed a serious threshold.

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons in order to protect the identity of her daughter, has no previous convictions. The court was told her children are no longer in her care.

Defence counsel said she had been tearful and remorseful, telling solicitors she had “ruined her life”. A psychiatric assessment diagnosed her with complex post-traumatic stress disorder.

She was handed a 16-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.

The court also imposed:

– 150 hours of unpaid work
– Completion of a rehabilitation programme
– Registration as a sex offender for ten years
– A Sexual Harm Prevention Order for ten years

Child protection specialists say the case underlines the risks of online relationships and the importance of reporting concerns early, particularly where vulnerable adults may be targeted by known offenders.

If you are worried about a child’s safety, contact police on 101 or report concerns anonymously via Crimestoppers.

Cold snap expected to create hazardous roads and pavements overnight into Monday morning

PEMBROKESHESHIRE residents are being urged to take extra care after a yellow weather warning for ice was issued for the whole of Wales.

The alert, issued by the Met Office, covers the period from late Sunday night (Feb 1) until mid-morning on Monday (Feb 2), with temperatures expected to drop to around minus two degrees Celsius in some areas.

Forecasters say wet roads and surfaces left by earlier showers are likely to freeze quickly after dark, creating icy stretches on untreated roads, pavements and rural lanes across Pembrokeshire.

Travel disruption possible

The Met Office warns that icy patches may form widely, increasing the risk of slips and falls and making journeys slower and more hazardous, particularly during the Monday morning commute.

Untreated side roads, country routes and shaded areas are expected to be most affected, with black ice possible in places where frost is not easily visible.

Drivers are advised to allow extra time for journeys, slow down and keep a safe distance from other vehicles. Pedestrians are urged to wear suitable footwear and take care on steps, slopes and pavements.

Gritting teams are expected to treat main routes overnight, but officials warn that not every road can be covered.

Local outlook

Temperatures across the county are forecast to fall sharply after sunset on Sunday, with frost forming widely before dawn. Inland and higher ground areas are likely to see the coldest conditions.

Residents are also being encouraged to check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours and ensure homes are adequately heated during the cold spell.

Conditions are expected to improve later on Monday as temperatures rise above freezing, but further updates may be issued if the forecast changes.

ST JOHN AMBULANCE CYMRU is stressing the literally lifesaving importance of CPR and defibrillator skills this February, with the charity’s volunteers having helped save the lives of four people at public events last year alone.

The first aid charity for Wales’ annual Defibruary campaign is providing more ways for people to learn lifesavingskills and find out where their nearest defibrillator is, so they can act quickly should a cardiac arrest happen nearby.

This year’s campaign includes opportunities to take part in hands-on demonstrations, learn online, highlight defib locations, as well as donate to support the charity’s work to make Wales a community of lifesavers.

Though there are now over 8,500 publicly accessible defibrillators in Wales, recent research suggests only 25% of people had been trained to use them and they were only used in 8% of cases when someone suffered a cardiac arrest outside of hospital.

St John Ambulance Cymru Chief Executive and Paramedic , Richard Lee said: “The aim of our Defibruary campaign is to make sure more people have the skills to help if someone near them goes into cardiac arrest, including knowing how to find where their nearest defibrillator is, which can help save vital seconds.

“Though St John People provided medical cover at around 1,000 public events last year and helped save four lives as a result, over 70% of cardiac arrests happen at home.

“With the chances of survival reducing by 10% with every minute that passes without action, it’s crucial that people know how to perform CPR and where to find their nearest defibrillator. This will give your family, neighbours, friends and visitors the best chance of survival and buy crucial time for medical assistance to arrive.

“Even if you’ve completed training before, it’s worth brushing up on your knowledge so you are aware of the latest advice, with the UK Resuscitation Council having released updated guidelines at the end of last year.”

To help raise awareness of where defibs are located your community, St John Ambulance Cymru has launched a #DogsAtDefibs social media campaign, where people can post a photo of their pooch next to a defib while they’re out for a wander.

You can check where your nearest defibrillators are located via The Circuit’s Defib Finder website:www.defibfinder.uk.

To support St John Ambulance Cymru’s Defibruary campaign, text DEFIB to 70480 to donate £5. Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message, and you’ll be opting into hearing more from us.

If you would like to donate but don’t wish to hear more from us, please text DEFIBNOINFO instead.

To find out more about St John Ambulance Cymru’s Defibruary campaign, including where public events are taking place, visit www.sjacymru.org.uk/defibruary.