Man Jailed After Police Find Illegal Images in Phone Check

A 46-year-old man has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after police discovered 186 illegal images during a routine device check.

Matthew Hatfield, of Ffordd Ogwen, Bryn-y-Baal near Mold, was found to have breached his Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) between August 2022 and March 2023.

When PC Leanne Jones visited his home, Hatfield claimed he “couldn’t remember” where his phone was, though officers located it on a bookcase. Analysis revealed prohibited images, primarily of girls aged 5-14, alongside six device-cleaning apps used to delete illegal files.

Defending, Ben Stanley noted that Hatfield has learning difficulties, dyslexia, Asperger’s, and Myotonic Dystrophy – a condition affecting muscle and cognition.

His Honour Timothy Petts, passing sentence at Mold Crown Court, noted that while Hatfield was “aware of the consequences of his behaviour,” he showed “limited insight into how serious it is.”

Upon release, Hatfield will remain subject to SHPO terms and sexual offender notification requirements for ten years.