A 32-year-old man from Swallow Way in Duffryn, Newport has received an extended sentence of eight years after being deemed a dangerous offender. Scott Mullen was apprehended by Gwent Police following an anonymous tip-off, during which officers discovered a childlike sex doll alongside footage depicting the sexual abuse of infants.
At Swansea Crown Court, prosecutor Joshua Scouller outlined how the accused had initially confessed to downloading 136 films and photographs containing child sexual abuse material. Between mid-July and mid-August 2024, he had possessed 23 category A indecent images—the most severe classification—along with 18 category B items and 95 category C items.
The defendant subsequently sought to withdraw his guilty plea and, acting as his own legal representative, submitted a fraudulent document to the court bearing the letterhead of a genuine firm specialising in digital and cyber investigations. Through this deception, he claimed the company had determined it possible he was innocent and may not have intentionally downloaded the material. The fabrication was quickly exposed, leading him to admit guilt for attempting to obstruct the course of justice last June.
Mullen had previously been convicted in 2017 for possessing indecent images of children, receiving a community order at that time. His defence counsel Jon Tarrant offered a brief statement in the defendant’s favour, acknowledging there were concerns present.
Sentencing Mullen, Judge Geraint Walters addressed him regarding the child abuse material found in his possession, stating the images depicted actual minors suffering abuse at the hands of disturbed individuals. His Honour observed that the pre-sentence assessment made for discouraging assessment, reaching the unavoidable finding that Mullen posed a significant danger and a high probability of reoffending with further serious crimes.
The judicial figure characterised the accused’s attempt to mislead the court as both calculated and elaborate.
Mullen was sentenced to three years imprisonment together with a five-year extended licence period upon his release. He must permanently register as a sex offender and will be subject to a lifetime sexual harm prevention order.