A nursing student in Wales has been found in possession of over 100 sexual images of children, according to a report by Wales Online. Niamh O’Brian, 20, residing in Heol Cynwyd, Llangynwyd, Maesteg, was discovered by the authorities to have obtained and distributed indecent images of children, aged between four and 11, both still and in motion.
During a police visit to O’Brian’s home and her work placement at the University Hospital of Wales, where she was training as a nurse, officers seized multiple devices containing the illicit images. O’Brian initially claimed she was investigating the websites where the images were downloaded, stating her lack of interest in child pornography or children, instead saying her focus was on reporting the offending account.
However, investigations showed that O’Brian had distributed several child pornography and bestiality images, including the most severe Category A images depicting children. Messages on a Telegram account revealed discussions about rape and child sexual abuse fantasies. O’Brian faced charges including possession of indecent photographs of children, possession of extreme pornographic images, distribution of indecent images of children, and publication of an obscene article.
Appearing at Newport Magistrates’ Court on June 11, 2024, O’Brian pleaded guilty to all charges. At her sentencing at Newport Crown Court on August 20, the defence highlighted her early guilty pleas, clean background, and remorse, describing the offences as out of character. Despite being dropped from her nursing degree, O’Brian’s sentence of 16 months for distributing Category A images was suspended for two years, with conditions including unpaid work, rehabilitation, and a sexual harm prevention order.
The judge, Mr Recorder Greg Bull, condemned O’Brian’s actions as indulging in viewing and sharing reprehensible material that perpetuates child abuse. He acknowledged her remorse but emphasised the gravity of distributing such images. O’Brian was also added to the sex offenders’ register for 10 years and required to pay a surcharge. The judge stressed the importance of rehabilitation while warning of the lasting harm caused by individuals participating in the consumption of such harmful content.