A perverted Powys pensioner was snared by police after his bank account was linked to the trade in indecent images.
John Agnew, 72, of Pentybont near Llandrindod Wells, admitted the following offences when he appeared at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, 29th September 2026:
- Possession of a category A indecent photograph of a child;
- Two offences of possession of a category B indecent photograph of a child;
- Possession of an extreme pornographic image involving an animal.
Category A images feature penetrative sexual activity; category B images feature non-penetrative sexual activity.
Possession of an indecent photograph of a child is an offence under section 1 of the Protection of Children Act 1978. It is an either way offence with a maximum sentence of 10 years' custody on conviction on indictment, 12 months' custody and/or an unlimited fine on summary conviction.
Magistrates heard that police raided Agnew's home on 13th February 2025, as a result of intelligence received in relation to his banking activities.
Several devices were seized, subsequent analysis of which revealed his sickening stash of images.
The 72-year-old has no previous convictions.
Gavin Rofer, mitigating, said: "The primary consideration now is whether he is sentenced here or in the crown court. He has entered guilty pleas to all matters at the first opportunity.
"It is rare to see just one image of Category A and two of Category B; usually they run into the thousands.
"The court has more than enough power to deal with this matter. Of course, you will require a report."
Magistrates ordered an all options pre-sentence report.
Agnew was granted conditional bail until his next hearing at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, 21st October 2026, when he will either be sentenced or have his case sent to the Crown Court.
By virtue of his conviction, he was also made subject to the notification requirements of the sex offenders register.
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