A 23-year-old university graduate from Wales has been sentenced to prison after it was discovered he was selling highly disturbing images depicting the abuse of infants and children. The judge overseeing the case described the illicit trade as “vile”, pointing out the real-world suffering being endured by the young victims in these pictures.
Dean William Hanford, of Caroline Street in Blaengwynfi, Afan Valley, appeared before Swansea Crown Court, where the breadth of his offending was detailed. Hanford had been distributing digital files showing sexual abuse—some involving babies—over online channels, reportedly offering more than 100 such images for as little as £30.
The criminal activity was uncovered following a wider investigation by the National Crime Agency, which then notified South Wales Police. In the summer of 2023, officers raided Hanford’s home, where they seized multiple electronic devices. Forensic examination of this equipment revealed a substantial quantity of indecent stills and video content, spanning the most severe categorisations under UK law.
Beyond simply possessing the material, detectives were able to determine that Hanford had been actively sharing it with others. In messages found on his devices, Hanford allegedly boasted of having “tons” of such content available for sale, alluding to his lucrative trade with individuals of similar bent. Additional evidence included screenshots appearing to confirm payments received from unknown buyers.
Prosecuting counsel Emily Bennett explained that police analysis of Hanford’s PayPal account showed a series of payments over a 12-month span, many carrying the explicit reference “videos”. These digital transactions provided a damning paper trail, casting light on the commercial dimension of Hanford’s crimes.
During the hearing, Hanford’s legal defence, led by James Hartson, argued that the isolated and sheltered circumstances of the defendant’s early adulthood contributed to the development of what the barrister characterised as an “addiction”. Hartson highlighted that Hanford held a degree and had previously worked for a respected Welsh utility company. In a rare move, Hartson said Hanford had openly acknowledged his sexual attraction to children—an admission seldom heard so bluntly in UK courts.
Hartson also contended that financial desperation played a part in Hanford’s crimes, referencing claims that Hanford sought funds to support his mother, who was herself unable to work.
When passing sentence, Judge Paul Thomas KC emphasised the grave seriousness of the offences, underscoring that Hanford was not simply a passive consumer, but a key participant who abetted the further circulation and creation of such appalling material. “These were real babies somewhere in the world being tortured so people like you can masturbate over the images,” the judge said, delivering a stark reminder of the human cost behind the files.
In line with sentencing guidelines and crediting Hanford for his guilty pleas, the court imposed a custodial sentence of 28 months. Hanford will be required to serve at least half of that term before becoming eligible for release on licence. Furthermore, he will have to register as a sex offender for the next decade and abide by a sexual harm prevention order for the same duration.
The case has again shone a light on the shadowy online networks distributing abuse images, and the persistent challenges faced by law enforcement in tracking and disrupting them. The judge’s remarks and the lengthy prison term reflect a growing consensus in the UK judicial system that possession and—especially—the distribution of child sexual abuse material must attract robust penalties, given the ongoing trauma inflicted on victims.
Discussion within the courtroom also revealed that Hanford’s mother submitted a character reference, citing her pride in his achievements—an element that caused Judge Thomas to question whether she fully grasped the extent of her son’s offending, or whether this disconnect contributed to his criminal path.
As digital forensic capabilities improve and payment systems become more tightly monitored, authorities hope that more offenders like Hanford will be identified, prosecuted, and prevented from causing further harm. The public and policymakers alike are reminded that behind every image of abuse lies a real victim whose suffering can be magnified each time this material changes hands.