Former Police Inspector Jailed for Child Sexual Offence Conspiracy
Geraint Lloyd Evans, a 48-year-old former police inspector from Bridgend, was sentenced to 30 months in prison at Swansea Crown Court for conspiracy to encourage others to sexually assault a child under the age of 13. Evans, who had received commendations for bravery during his service, pleaded guilty to the charge in October 2011, following an investigation by South Wales Police. The court heard that Evans had participated in explicit internet chatroom discussions with other men, sharing 'sick and disgusting' fantasies about abusing children as young as four. Additionally, Evans admitted to possessing 179 images of extreme pornography.
The case came to light after police arrested Keith Bold, 48, from Neath Abbey, seizing his computer which contained indecent images of children. Investigations traced online conversations between Bold and Evans, who used the nickname 'Southwalescouple'. In one exchange, Evans suggested meeting at a friend's house in Caerphilly, to which Bold responded positively, expressing a desire to 'have some young to play with'. Evans replied that it 'could be an option', mentioning contacts who could provide access once trust was established. Prosecuting barrister John Hipkin detailed these conversations, highlighting the depraved nature of the discussions involving Evans and co-defendants Leslie Asser, 54, from Ross-on-Wye, and Wayne Barnes, 50, from Morriston, Swansea.
Judge Paul Thomas, addressing Evans specifically, remarked on his betrayal of public trust: 'You were a man the public ought to have looked up to... But you failed in the most important aspect of your job - to protect the vulnerable. For several years you lived a lie, clothed in the respectability of a police officer.' The judge acknowledged that none of the men had acted on their fantasies but condemned the internet's role in enabling such interactions: 'The advent of the internet has had many positive and beneficial effects on people's lives. One of the negatives is that sick minded individuals like you four can get easily in touch and fuel and encourage each other's depravity.'
Evans' defence, presented by barrister Tim Evans, attributed his actions to personal decline following injuries sustained on duty, including being run over while arresting car thieves and a subsequent car ramming incident. This led to depression, heavy alcohol consumption, and medication overuse, turning him into 'a walking zombie'. Despite his decorated career, Evans was immediately sacked in September 2011 by the chief constable of South Wales Police, losing £100,000 in earnings. All four men, including Evans, were banned from working with children and placed on the sex offenders' register.
Tom Davies from the Independent Police Complaints Commission in Wales stated: 'Evans was in a position of great responsibility and trust as a police inspector which he abused. This investigation has also shown that there is no hiding place for people who behave in this way on the internet.' The case, reported by BBC News on 27 October 2011, underscores the accountability of law enforcement officers.