A MAN from St Asaph who possessed and distributed indecent images of children in Rhuddlan has been spared jail.

Max Waring, 23, of Rhyl Road, was sentenced to 16 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, at Mold Crown Court today (June 10).

He had previously admitted three counts of making indecent images of a child and one charge of distributing such material.

READ MORE:

Rhyl pensioner can only have oxygen at home after spell in hospital

Aldi’s store in Rhuddlan closes for refurbishment works

Play areas in Abergele and Towyn to close for maintenance work

Prosecuting, Emmalyne Downing told the court that, in January 2023, police executed a search warrant at Waring’s home, which led to two mobile phones being seized.

Following examination, these phones were found to possess 371 category A (most serious), 293 category B, and 696 category C images, both still and moving.

These images depicted children between the ages of two and 12.

Police also found a number of conversations Waring had held on several social media platforms, primarily Kik and Telegram.

He was also found to have distributed one of the category A images, and six of the category C images, via social media.

These offences dated from April 2017 to January 2023.

Defending Waring, who had no previous convictions, Sarah Yates said that he has not re-offended since these matters came to light.

She added that he has “rather turned his life around”, having obtained stable accommodation and part-time employment in a shop.

Sentencing, Judge Niclas Parry agreed to suspend his custodial sentence, but warned Waring: “It’s going to be a tough two years.”

Waring will complete a 42-session programme, 45 days’ rehabilitation activity requirements, and 80 hours’ unpaid work.

He will also adhere to a sexual harm prevention order, and sex offenders register notification requirements, for 10 years.

Judge Parry told Waring: “What you were viewing, and what you were sharing, was actually happening to these children. It wasn’t cartoon, it wasn’t acting.

“You increased the market for this vile stuff. Some of the discussions you had were equally vile.

“Don’t miss appointments, do what’s asked of you, and don’t reoffend. Otherwise, the court will have no choice.”

The phones seized from Waring were ordered to be destroyed, while he will also pay a statutory surcharge.