A Newport man who was previously caught with 120,000 child abuse images has avoided prison for a second time after breaching his sexual harm prevention order.
Martin Griffiths, 56, appeared at Cardiff Crown Court after getting an iPhone without approval, pausing his internet history, and restoring a device to factory settings.
Judge Simon Mills stated: “The problem here is that because of the defendant’s actions, we don’t actually know what he’s been looking at.”
Defence barrister Gareth Williams told the court: “He has dependency upon alcohol which he uses as a coping mechanism, but that doesn’t help his mental health problems. An immediate custodial sentence would be devastating. He would be vulnerable in prison. He’s frightened.”
The judge concluded: “I’ve thought about this case with great care and I’ve come to the conclusion, just, that it is unjust to activate your suspended sentence order. And let me explain why. You’re a wheelchair user who will be made homeless if you go to prison. Your breaches weren’t of the worst kind, although they were persistent, and you did contact your offender manager effectively to warn them that you were in breach.”
Griffiths received a 14-month suspended sentence for two years, must complete rehabilitation activities, and pay a £228 surcharge.
