A MAN from Anglesey who was found with videos of sex acts being performed on animals on his phone has been spared jail.

James Owen, 30, of Nant Y Mynydd, Amlwch, was today (October 11) sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, suspended for a year-and-a-half, at Caernarfon Crown Court (sitting at Llandudno Magistrates’ Court).

He had previously admitted making an indecent photograph of a child and possessing extreme pornographic images of sex with an animal.

Prosecuting, Richard Edwards told the court that Owen was arrested on October 10, 2022 after his mobile number was identified in an investigation, conducted by the Metropolitan Police, into indecent images taken by another male.

Owen’s phone was seized for analysis, which recovered one “category A” (the most serious) indecent image, and four still and 24 moving images of extreme pornography involving animals.

The category A image depicted a child aged about eight to 10 years old, while the animals involved in the extreme pornography included a horse, a dog and a tortoise.

His web searches and Snapchat conversations were also indicative of a sexual interest in children, meanwhile.

When interviewed, he denied having seen the category A image, and said the images involving animals had been sent to him “as a joke”, and he “didn’t realise they were illegal”.

Defending Owen, who had no previous convictions, Siôn ap Mihangel said his client has not re-offended since these matters, and “does accept accountability” for his actions.

He added that Owen has “overwhelming feelings of shame”, having “broke down” in court earlier today prior to the sentencing hearing.

Owen has also “taken steps himself” to address his poor mental health and issues with alcohol, Mr ap Mihangel added.

Sentencing, Judge Timothy Petts agreed to suspend Owen’s prison sentence, deeming him to have a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.

“I think you’re going to stay out of trouble,” he told him.

Owen is to complete 100 hours of unpaid work, a six-month alcohol treatment requirement, 45 days’ rehabilitation activity, and a 45-session programme.

He will adhere to sex offenders register notification requirements, and a sexual harm prevention order, each for the period of seven years, and will not have his seized phone returned to him.