A Church of Wales clergyman has been convicted of making indecent photographs of children.
The Reverend Canon Nigel Cahill, 61, of Forge Road, Port Talbot, admitted two charges of making indecent photographs of children when he appeared at Swansea Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, 17th March 2021.
Making indecent photographs of children is an offence under section 1 of the Protection of Children Act 1978. The maximum penalty is 26 weeks' custody on summary conviction; 10 years' custody on conviction on indictment.
The first charge was in relation to the production of 216 category C images between 22nd July 2016 and 26th June 2020; the second charge was in relation to the production of 3 category B images between 2nd February 2016 and 26th June 2020.
"Production", as far as the legislation is concerned, includes the downloading of indecent images of children from the internet.
Cahill, the rector of Aberavon and the parish priest at St Agnes Church in Port Talbot, came to the police's attention in June 2019 when an indecent photograph was uploaded from his home address. The property was searched under warrant and a number of devices were seized for examination.
Cahill co-operated fully with the police investigation, providing passwords for each device seized. He admitted in interview that he had accessed improper images and acknowledged his wrongdoing.
Julie Sullivan, prosecuting, said: "Mr Cahill said he was online talking to someone and looking at pictures of grown men.
"He said: "I'm not denying I have looked at younger boys. It's a problem I've had for years when I'm stressed. I drink and look at pictures online."
Jon Tarrant, mitigating, said: "These are predominantly category C images and just three category B. By pro rata that is only 1% in the higher category. Whilst the length of time is over four years the volume of images is quite low over that period of time.
"There are no previous convictions and he has immediately shown remorse at the police station during his first interview. His remorse is evident from the word go."
Magistrates decided that the likely sentence for the offences was outwith their powers, so sent the case to Swansea Crown Court.
Cahill was granted bail until his sentencing hearing on Monday, 29th March 2021.
In a statement on its website, the Church of Wales said it was "deeply saddened and shocked" at Cahill's crimes, which had been committed despite its "stringent safeguarding policies and procedures".
It added that a Disciplinary Tribunal would take place in due course.
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