A retired teaching assistant, David Wood, 69, from Cardiff, has been sentenced after being found with distressing images involving children on his iPad. The shocking discovery was made when police searched his device, uncovering 12 category A and four category B indecent images, downloaded between 2023 and 2024.
When questioned, Wood disturbingly claimed he did not consider the images to be indecent, expressing an attraction to boys aged over 14 and believing the children were between 15 and 16. However, he later pleaded guilty to possessing these illicit images and admitted to distributing them.
Despite having no prior convictions, the court expressed serious concerns over Wood’s actions and comments, especially given his background working in education. The district judge highlighted the gravity of the situation, underlining the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
Wood’s sentence includes 40 weeks of imprisonment, which is suspended for two years, paired with a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement. He will also be under strict sex offender notification requirements and subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for the next 10 years.
It’s a grave reminder of the importance of vigilance and the ongoing need to protect children from such exploitation. Let’s hope justice and rehabilitation prevail.