Chepstow Sex Offender Found with Hidden Laptop

A convicted paedophile from Chepstow has narrowly avoided immediate imprisonment after being caught with an unregistered laptop containing encryption and file shredding software. 🔍

Gareth Welch, 48, of Cherry Orchard Close, was found to be in breach of a sexual harm prevention order imposed following his 2020 conviction for attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.

Newport Crown Court heard that police discovered the hidden laptop on top of a cupboard during a visit to Welch’s home to investigate an unrelated domestic abuse allegation.

Prosecutor Andrew Davies confirmed that while the device contained suspicious software, no indecent images of children were found on the laptop.

After initially denying wrongdoing, Welch later admitted to three counts of breaching his sexual harm prevention order on April 6, 2023.

The court noted that Welch has five previous convictions for eight offences, including sexual activity with a child under 16, battery, harassment, and a previous breach of his sexual harm prevention order from two years ago.

Defence barrister Sol Hartley told the court: “The defendant has demonstrated his remorse.” He urged the judge to allow his client to continue rehabilitation in the community, citing health issues and family isolation as mitigating factors.

Judge Celia Hughes addressed Welch directly, stating: “This case is aggravated by your previous convictions and history of disobedience of court orders.” She added: “We won’t know what you were using the laptop to do.”

Despite these concerns, Judge Hughes suspended Welch’s 34-week prison sentence for 12 months, ordering him to complete a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement and pay £500 in costs.