**Paedophile Couple Jailed After FBI Uncovers Disturbing Messages and Abuse Footage**
A pair from south Wales have received lengthy prison sentences after it emerged they filmed and shared the sexual abuse of a child, with the evidence coming to light after the FBI intercepted sickening messages and videos exchanged with others around the globe. The case, described by the sentencing judge as “a partnership that thrived on child sexual abuse”, has stunned and horrified the local community.
Ann Bray, aged 62, of Newport, and Jonathan Leonard, 58, who had no fixed address but previously lived in the Caldicot area, exploited a young girl over a period of years. It was revealed in Cardiff Crown Court that the pair not only groomed and abused their victim but also meticulously recorded their actions and corresponded with each other in a manner the judge called “warped and perverted”.
The operation came to a head when US law enforcement agencies stationed with the FBI came across indecent images distributed by Leonard. This prompted a formal alert to UK counterparts at the National Crime Agency (NCA), who swiftly commenced an investigation. Both Bray and Leonard were arrested in September 2024, and their mobile devices were seized for forensic examination.
What investigators uncovered on those devices revealed the grim reality of the abuse. Detailed scrutiny found videos in which Bray was seen actively instructing the young victim while recording the acts, later sending these explicit files to Leonard. Their text messages, many punctuated with “LOL” (laugh out loud), saw the couple discuss the abuse openly, plan future offences, and share fantasies, further damning their conduct.
The police investigation was able to unearth evidence showing the abuse had begun as early as 2021. In one particularly distressing video, the court heard, Bray poured chocolate over Leonard before instructing the child during the assault, with some of the filming sessions lasting up to 90 minutes. Additional unrelated indecent images of children were also found stored on both defendants’ phones.
Both Bray and Leonard entered guilty pleas to a host of offences at earlier hearings. Bray admitted to charges ranging from inciting a child to engage in sexual activity to possessing extreme pornography, including facilitating child sex offences and distributing indecent images. Leonard’s admissions included rape, sexual assault, producing and distributing indecent images, and similar offences with extreme material.
During sentencing, Judge Paul Hobson did not mince his words. He stated that the defendants’ “relationship revolved around the sexual abuse of children,” and the content of their communications exhibited the great danger they present to any children they might encounter in the future. Both were told they must serve extended sentences as a result.
Speaking on behalf of the prosecution, Georgina Buckley outlined the breadth of trauma sustained by the young victim, which was echoed by her mother. The judge highlighted both the immediate and lasting damage inflicted by the repeated abuse and the subsequent sharing of material online.
Defence representatives noted that the defendants had demonstrated a degree of remorse for their actions. Both said their respective clients were deeply sorry for the impact of their offences, with Bray’s counsel admitting there was no justification he could possibly offer for her behaviour.
Bray and Leonard each received a 23-year extended sentence—comprised of 15 years in custody and an additional eight years under licence. They must serve at least two-thirds of the custodial period before any parole consideration. Both were also placed on the sex offenders register for life.
After the sentence, NCA Senior Investigator Daniel Waywell condemned the pair’s “years of horrific abuse,” stating that each time such material is viewed or shared, victims are re-traumatised. He affirmed the agency’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding children, working alongside international partners to tackle online sexual abuse.
Victims of abuse and those worried about someone at risk are encouraged to seek support from specialist agencies, including the Live Fear Free helpline, NSPCC, and Childline, who offer confidential help throughout Wales and beyond. Authorities continue to urge vigilance and reporting in the fight to protect vulnerable children from exploitation.