Army Cadet leader exposed as paedophile after police raid

Police raid uncovers vile stash

Michael Monks, 55, of Russell Terrace, Carmarthen, was arrested after officers executed a search warrant at his home in May 2022. Forensic investigators discovered more than 40 indecent images of children — including 25 in the most serious Category A — along with extreme pornography.

The court heard Monks was part of a group on the encrypted Wickr app where members “traded” child abuse images. He had swapped four of his own images with others.

Cadet leader in Llanelli

At the time of his arrest, Monks was serving as a leader at the Army Cadet centre in Llanelli. Judge Paul Thomas KC told Swansea Crown Court the images were of “real children somewhere in the world being horribly abused so people like him — that is, paedophiles — could masturbate over them.”

Guilty pleas and sentence

Monks admitted multiple counts of possessing, making and distributing indecent images of children, plus possessing extreme pornography. He had no previous convictions.

He was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for 12 months, ordered to complete a rehabilitation programme, and told to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work. He will remain on the sex offenders register for 10 years and is subject to a sexual harm prevention order restricting his internet use.

Judge slams delay

The case took more than three years to reach court. Prosecutors admitted there was “no reasonable explanation” for the delay after police received forensic evidence in March 2023 but charging advice was not sought until January 2025. Judge Thomas branded the delay “wholly unacceptable.”

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