Man recorded abuse on phone for own pleasure

A MAN sexually assaulted his victim and filmed the abuse on his phone for his own “perverted pleasure”, a court heard.

Rawdon Hume was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court after admitting 26 counts including sexual assault, voyeurism, possessing indecent images of children and extreme pornography.

Judge Jeremy Jenkins described the offending as “vile” and “determined”.

The court heard police searched the 35-year-old computer engineer’s home on April 5 and seized his laptop and phone.

James Wilson, prosecuting, said officers found indecent images of the most serious category A, as well as categories B and C.

He told the court the videos showed children aged between 10 and 12.

Officers also found more than 100 images of extreme pornography involving animals.

Mr Wilson said police then found videos, lasting for up to 15 minutes, that the defendant had recorded of himself sexually assaulting a victim.

Hume was interviewed by police on April 5, 6 and 7 and admitted all the offences, but stated they were not sexually motivated.

He told officers he started viewing indecent images of children “out of a morbid curiosity that got out of hand”.

The defendant also stated he had developed a “fascination” with the subject of the extreme pornography.

Prosecutors said the victim did not wish to make a personal statement.

Hume, from Graig-y-Rhacca in Caerphilly, pleaded guilty to sexual assault, voyeurism, possessing indecent images of children and possessing extreme pornography.

Heath Edwards, defending, stressed his client had no previous convictions.

He told the court Hume was “utterly devastated” and could not provide a real explanation for his behaviour.

The defence barrister said his client was born in Australia and had a “tragic upbringing”, as he was bullied at school and suffered close family bereavements at a young age.

Mr Edwards told the court despite that, Hume had built himself a successful career in IT and become “a positive member of society”.

He said the defendant was struggling with his work-life balance and believes he should have sought counselling.

The defence barrister added: “He is deeply sorry for what he did.”

Judge Jenkins confirmed he did not consider Hume to be a dangerous offender and did not think an extended sentence was necessary.

In his sentencing remarks, he said: “This was determined sexual abuse, which you carried out for your own gratification.”

Hume was jailed for nine years and four months and the judge imposed an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.