A 35-year-old man who sexually assaulted a child and amassed a large collection of indecent images has been sentenced to 21 years in prison.
Ben Caunce, of Banks Road, Mancot, was sentenced at Mold Crown Court today (Monday, April 27) after previously pleading guilty to a string of offences.
The offences
Caunce admitted eight counts of sexual assault of a child. He also pleaded guilty to possessing more than 200 Category A indecent images and videos of a child – the most serious classification – along with over 200 Category B and almost 300 Category C images and videos.
He further admitted taking indecent images and videos of a child across all three categories – eight at Category A, 16 at Category B, and 23 at Category C – as well as showing an indecent image of a child to another person.
How he was caught
Caunce’s offending came to light in December last year when he showed a colleague indecent images and videos at a social event. That colleague contacted North Wales Police, prompting an investigation.
Officers seized Caunce’s devices and discovered images showing him sexually assaulting a child. He was arrested, charged, and remanded in custody to await sentencing.
Sentence
Caunce must serve at least two-thirds of the 21-year sentence in prison before he can be considered for release, with the remainder to be served on licence.
He was also ordered to register as a sex offender indefinitely and made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life. A 15-year restraining order was imposed to protect the victim.
Police response
Detective Constable Danielle Craig, the investigating officer, said:
“Ben Caunce poses a danger to children, and I am pleased that today’s sentence reflects the seriousness and depravity of the offences he committed.
“I commend the bravery and dignity of the victim’s mother for having the courage to assist with the investigation, and for her resilience throughout.
“I also want to highlight the bravery of Caunce’s colleague who brought him to the attention of the police. As a result of his report, an investigation was launched that resulted in him being brought to justice today.
“We will leave no stone unturned when investigating those who seek to do harm to vulnerable members of our society. Any victim of sexual abuse is encouraged to come forward with the confidence that they will be heard and supported.”
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