**Dad Arrested After Police Uncover Hundreds of Disturbing Images on Mobile Devices**
A father from Narberth has been handed a suspended prison sentence after police discovered a cache of indecent and extreme pornographic material involving both children and animals on his electronic devices. The disturbing find came about after Dean Pellington, 31, was detained on an unrelated matter by Dyfed-Powys Police. Subsequent searches of his seized digital equipment revealed more than 200 illegal images, leading to fresh charges and court proceedings.
The incident unfolded in May 2024, when police picked up Pellington for reasons not initially connected to the eventual charges. During the routine process, officers took possession of several electronic devices belonging to the defendant. In court, Prosecutor David Singh explained that Pellington willingly handed over the passwords to his devices, which allowed investigators to quickly assess their contents.
Upon examination, police uncovered an alarming volume of banned material. The images were described as extremely graphic, reportedly including photographs of women engaged in sexual acts with animals such as horses and dogs. More gravely, the collection included multiple indecent images of children, some of which dated back to 2022. The court heard how some of the youngest victims depicted were just eight and twelve years old, with at least two images classified in the most severe category for such offences.
In police interviews, Pellington stated he was unsure how he had come to possess the illicit materials and asserted some may have been shared with him through a group he was affiliated with online. He also denied having a sexual interest in children or gaining any gratification from viewing the images, maintaining a stance of ignorance over the content’s origins.
During proceedings at Swansea Crown Court, it was confirmed that Pellington had no previous convictions prior to this offence. Defending, Dean Pulling highlighted the support Pellington continued to receive from his family, noting both his parents’ presence in court and his significant responsibilities at home—his wife suffers from poor health, and his children have additional needs. Pulling asked the court to consider these mitigating factors during sentencing.
Presiding over the case, Judge Paul Thomas KC dismissed the suggestion that the images arrived on Pellington’s devices by chance. Addressing the defendant directly, Judge Thomas stated, “It is beyond belief you could simply have ended up with these images at random.” He concluded there was clear evidence of sexual interest in children, emphasising the real-world consequences for the victims involved in the production of such imagery.
The judge delivered a stark condemnation of Pellington’s actions, stressing that these offences contribute to ongoing harm and exploitation of children globally. “If people did not seek out such material, there would not be a market for it,” Judge Thomas said, rejecting the notion that curiosity alone could explain possession of such serious material.
Taking account of Pellington’s personal circumstances and previous good character, the judge ultimately imposed a custodial sentence of six months, suspended for 18 months. As part of the terms of his sentence, Pellington is also required to complete 26 sessions of an accredited sex offender programme and undergo 20 rehabilitation activity days designed to reduce the risk of reoffending.
This case comes at a time when law enforcement agencies across the UK continue to warn of rising numbers of child abuse image offences, urging the public to report any suspicious online behaviour. Authorities state that the production and sharing of such material leaves deep and lasting trauma for victims, while also placing individuals involved in possession at risk of criminal prosecution.
Police urge anyone with information about indecent images of children to contact them or the NSPCC, highlighting the critical role communities can play in safeguarding vulnerable young people. The outcome of this case serves as a reminder of the severity with which such crimes are treated by the courts, regardless of personal circumstances or initial arrest context.
As efforts to combat online child exploitation intensify, the judiciary continues to underline the far-reaching harm caused by this trade and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable under the law.