Abertillery paedophile sent explicit images to ‘child’

A man from Abertillery has been handed a suspended prison sentence after sending explicit photographs and requesting inappropriate images from someone he believed to be a child.

Lee Burchill, 45, from Walters Avenue, Swffryd, was caught out in a deception operation when he communicated with an individual he thought was an underage girl named ‘Katie’.

Newport Magistrates’ Court heard how Burchill sent pictures of his private parts and asked the ‘girl’ to send him underwear shots. Prosecutor Sian Turvey told the court that the defendant had also discussed losing his virginity during the exchanges.

The offending took place in Pontllanfraith, Blackwood, over five days between 18 December and 23 December 2024.

Burchill admitted being an adult attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child. His defence solicitor, Alan Jones, asked that his client receive full credit for entering an early guilty plea.

District Judge Sophie Toms sentenced Burchill to 12 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. He must complete 150 hours of unpaid work and undertake a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

The defendant will be required to register as a sex offender for 10 years and was made subject to a sexual harm prevention order lasting until 2036. He must also pay a £187 surcharge and £85 costs.