A 49-year-old man from Neyland was arrested, charged and admitted possessing and distributing indecent images of children within days of a warrant being carried out at his home.

Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police’s online investigation team (POLIT) and Pembrokeshire joint investigation unit (JIU) executed a warrant under the Protection of Children’s Act at the home of David Leonard Smith, in Kensington Road on Wednesday, February 28.

Smith, who is subject to a sexual harm prevention order, was requested to provide all mobile and computer devices to officers to be examined. A number of devices were triaged by POLIT at the scene.

Indecent images of children were located on a computer tablet belonging to Smith, who was arrested and conveyed to custody.

During examination of the tablet, a large amount of text-based chat on social media was found, and further work established that Smith had been distributing indecent images of children online.

He was charged with possession of extreme images, making indecent images of children, distributing indecent images of children and breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

He appeared at magistrates court on Thursday morning (March 1) where he pleaded guilty to all charges. He has been remanded in custody until sentencing at Swansea Crown Court on March 30.

Detective Sergeant Mathew Davies said: “The swift and thorough examination of David Leonard Smith’s internet devices has resulted in an arrest, charge and guilty plea just a day after a warrant was carried out at his home.

“This is an individual who was already subject to a sexual harm prevention order, but was determined to continue offending.

“Thanks to the hard work of officers, he is now in custody awaiting sentencing.”

Dyfed-Powys Police would urge anyone with information about people involved in offences of this nature to speak to police in confidence on 101, or report their concerns anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.