Alan Charles Godfrey

Alan Charles Godfrey, a 60-year-old man from Swansea, has been sentenced to an additional nine months in prison for failing to comply with a court order to disclose the passcode to his iPad, which was seized by police as part of an investigation into child sex offences. This marks the first conviction under Section 49 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 by the Wales Asset Recovery Team.

Godfrey was initially imprisoned in December for 18 months after pleading guilty to making indecent images of children and intent to pervert the course of justice. The indecent images were discovered during a police probe into his activities as a paedophile. Despite the court order requiring him to provide the passcode to allow access to the device, Godfrey refused, thereby obstructing the investigation into potential further evidence of child abuse material.

The sentencing for this latest offence took place on Thursday at Swansea Crown Court. Stuart Slyman, from the Wales Asset Recovery Team, commented on the significance of the case: 'This is the first time we have brought a prosecution under this legislation and I am pleased that we have secured a conviction. The conviction of Alan Godfrey will serve as a warning to others who think they may be above the law that we will bring them before the court and justice will be served.' South Wales Police led the investigation, highlighting their commitment to tackling child sex offences through robust enforcement of digital access laws.

Godfrey's refusal to cooperate delayed access to what could have been critical evidence on the iPad, underscoring the challenges law enforcement faces in accessing encrypted devices in cases involving sexual exploitation of children. The additional sentence will commence after his initial term concludes, ensuring prolonged accountability for his actions.