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A man who admitted making and distributing indecent images of children as young as 12 has been given a two year prison sentence, following an investigation by the National Crime Agency.

Lee Callaghan, 45, (right) was arrested at his home in Gibbs Road, Newport, on 26 May 2016, by NCA officers acting on information that he had made contact with a known paedophile online in an effort to arrange to meet and sexually abuse a child.

A phone and laptop computer seized from his home were examined and found to contain a number of indecent images, at least one of which he had shared.

Callaghan eventually admitted charges of making and distributing indecent images, and at Newport Crown Court on Thursday 2 February he was sentenced to two years in prison.

He was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order which will put restrictions on his access to internet devices and messaging services after he is released.

Martin Ludlow, team operations manager for the NCA’s CEOP Command, said:

“In his communications with others it became clear Callaghan was a dangerous man who wanted to abuse children, so his arrest and conviction has protected potential victims.

“We are committed to tracking down offenders who use the internet to access and share this type of material wherever they are and bringing them to account.”

Help and support

If you are an adult and worried about a child, or if you think you have been a victim of abuse, you can get help and support by contacting the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000.



Alternatively, if you are a young person and either you or a friend has been sexually abused, you can contact Childline on 0800 1111, or report your concerns via the NCA CEOP Safety Centre where trained and experienced child protection workers will read and assess your information and get in touch.



You can also access more information, including how to stay safe online, on the NCA CEOP Command’s Facebook page, Twitter account and YouTube channel. Targeted help and support for parents and teachers can be found on the Thinkuknow website.