A FLINTSHIRE man’s interest in viewing images of young boys being sexually abused was exposed by undercover police in America, a court heard.

Appearing at Mold Crown Court for sentencing, Edward Lloyd Davies, of New Street, Mold, pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing indecent images of children between September 2015 and December 2017 after US Police had raised concerns with their UK counterparts over conversations the 31-year-old was having online.

One of these conversations had involved Davies discussing indecent acts on young boys with an undercover police officer while he was naked.

Simon Mintz, prosecuting, said that on December 20, 2017, North Wales Police executed a warrant at Davies’ address and seized laptops and other devices that revealed he was using video conferencing sites such as Skype and Zoom to help him view the abuse and “take pleasure” in doing so.

Mr Mintz said: “Conversations were recovered that demonstrated that indecent images were being viewed.

“He had a conversation with another Skype user where they both made comments on child abuse material they were both watching at the same time.

“On December 20, 2017, he was arrested and made no comment at interview.”

Louise Cowen, defending, said her client showed “deep remorse” and would be suitable for a community sentence.

She said: “He has been very clear he needs help and would engage with help. In admitting theses offences and being honest with himself he has demonstrated real insight.

“He knows the position he is in today and he knows the seriousness.”

Judge Niclas Parry said: “This kind of offence involves exploitation, violence, threats. That’s what goes hand in hand with sexual abuse and you know you understand you’re contributing to that supply and demand.

“I accept that you feel great disgust at your behaviour and you must have a sexual interest in male children.”

Judge Parry noted that Davies had come prepared for custody and jailed him for six months on both counts to run concurrently.

However, the sentence would be suspended for two years to allow Davies to engage with services and he was ordered to 26 sessions of an accredited programme with a 40 day rehabilitation requirement.

Davies will also carry out 100 hours of unpaid work and register as a sex offender with a sexual harm protection order which can be made against an individual who it is considered to pose a risk of sexual harm to either the general public or a certain group of people or individual person(s).

The order allows Davies to own laptops, tablets and mobile phones which can access the internet but they must be able to display the device’s history and he must not delete or conceal any sites he has visited. Davies will also pay £1,200 in costs.