Cwmbran Man Avoids Jail for Child Abuse Images

A paedophile who spoke about setting up a babysitting service so he could rape young children has been handed a suspended sentence.

Corey Elston, 23, from Cwmbran, sent sick online messages in which he described his “depraved” sexual interest in infants and young children. The defendant was caught with 22 child abuse films and photographs when police raided his home last July, Cardiff Crown Court heard.

“When the officers arrived, he told them he had been banned from Snapchat but didn’t know why,” prosecutor Bethan Evans said.

In messages, Elston talked about how he was “turned on” by watching young children being raped and mentioned the babysitting service. One of the films he possessed showed a man brutally sexually assaulting a baby.

He admitted possession of category A, B and C indecent images of children, possession of a prohibited image of a child and possession of an extreme pornographic image of bestiality.

Kevin Seal, representing Elston, said his client was a young “vulnerable” autistic man who had recently lived as a “recluse”. His barrister added: “The defendant has struggled with self-esteem and confidence and he has no friends. Children do suffer before this material is distributed on the internet. Nobody feels the shame more than Corey Elston and he understands he must be punished. I would urge upon the court rehabilitation so that he can be taught how this behaviour affects others.”

Judge Shomon Khan told the defendant: “Your messages were sickening – they were depraved. I found it hard to remain objective – these are appalling offences.” He added: “It is clear from the pre-sentence report that you are in denial. You fully deserve an immediate prison sentence. But the need for rehabilitation outweighs it to prevent further offending of this disgusting nature.”

Elston, of Shakespeare Road, Greenmeadow, was jailed for 12 months with the sentence suspended for two years. He must attend 26 sessions of an accredited sex offender treatment programme, carry out 120 hours of unpaid work and complete a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

The defendant must register as a sex offender for 10 years and will be made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order at a hearing due to take place next month. Elston must also pay £300 towards prosecution costs as well as a statutory victim surcharge. ⚖️