**Swansea Man Used AI App to Fake Nude Images for 15th Birthday Party, Court Hears**
A Swansea man appeared in court this week after creating doctored indecent images using artificial intelligence, in a case that raises deep concerns about the misuse of emerging technology to manipulate innocent photos from social media.
Darren Richards, 45, of Orchard Street, Swansea, stood before Swansea Crown Court after admitting to generating indecent pseudo-images of children by leveraging an AI-powered mobile application designed to digitally remove clothing from photographs. The court was told Richards sourced these photographs from Instagram, including a snapshot from a 15th birthday celebration, and used the app to make the young people in the images appear naked.
Prosecutor Ryan Bowen set out the disturbing circumstances that led to Richards’ offences coming to light. The court heard that after lending an old Huawei mobile phone to someone who had misplaced their own, the new user discovered the shocking images stored in the device’s photo gallery. The phone was subsequently submitted to Swansea Central Police Station, prompting an investigation.
Police analysis revealed that Richards had downloaded a specific application that applied AI algorithms to edit photographs by ‘removing’ clothing. The manipulated images found on the device were traced back to screen captures taken from publicly accessible Instagram accounts, rather than from private or hidden sources. This form of image tampering is increasingly considered a worrying trend as digital tools become more sophisticated and accessible.
Richards, who had no past criminal convictions, admitted his guilt regarding possession of an indecent pseudo-image of a child. The court heard submissions from the defence – led by Giles Hayes – that the consequences of Richards’ actions had already extended well beyond legal ramifications. Hayes described how Richards had lost his job, his long-term partner, and the trust of close friends, including those whom he served as a godparent. He said that the defendant was experiencing acute shame and humiliation as a result of the events.
In delivering his sentence, Judge Paul Thomas KC gave a stinging assessment of the offences, branding them “sleazy” and commenting that they bordered on paedophilic behaviour. While acknowledging that Richards had previously been of good character, Judge Thomas indicated that his standing in the community had been left “irretrievably damaged.” The judge stressed the seriousness of digitally manipulating “innocuous” photographs to create sexualised images, particularly where children were concerned.
After considering mitigation and a one-third reduction for Richards’ guilty plea, the court imposed a 12-month custodial sentence. However, this prison term has been suspended for 24 months, meaning Richards will only serve time behind bars if he breaches the conditions set by the court. In addition, he is required to complete a substantial 200 hours of unpaid community work and undergo a compulsory rehabilitation programme.
Further legal restrictions mean Richards will also be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, which will remain in effect for 10 years. He will also be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for the same duration, limiting his interactions with children and placing his digital activities under ongoing scrutiny.
The case throws into sharp relief the complex challenges posed by evolving artificial intelligence tools, particularly when weaponised for the sexualisation or exploitation of children. Law enforcement agencies, child protection groups, and technology experts are increasingly calling for better regulation and education to curb such practices.
As communities reflect on the incident, many are left concerned about both safeguarding children’s images online and the broader ethical implications of AI-powered image manipulation. Meanwhile, Richards’ personal downfall serves as a sobering reminder of the heavy legal and social penalties awaiting those found guilty of such offences.