A paedophile police officer who psychologically manipulated children into sexually abusing themselves on Snapchat is facing further sentencing for possessing additional indecent images of children, with his mother also facing sentencing for concealing mobile phones. Lewis Edwards, 24, from Bridgend, was handed a life imprisonment sentence after coercing his victims, aged between 10 and 16, to send him indecent videos of themselves. He was found with 4,500 indecent images and admitted to 160 counts of child sexual abuse and blackmail. The judge highlighted that he took pleasure in both the sexual gratification and power he exerted over the victims.
Last year, the court heard how Edwards used Snapchat to groom children, pretending to be a similar-aged boy and then blackmailing them into sending more indecent images under threats of exposure. Heartbreaking audio and video evidence presented victims pleading for mercy. In a distressing video, a 13-year-old girl is heard crying and asking him to stop. Lewis Edwards, along with his mother Rebekah Edwards and father Mark Edwards, faced charges related to concealing mobile phones during a police investigation. Lewis admitted to three counts of possessing indecent images of children.
During a recent court appearance via video link, Lewis Edwards, dressed in a grey tracksuit, was remanded in custody. His mother pleaded guilty to charges, while his father was acquitted. Sentencing was adjourned for Rebekah Edwards, warning of a probable custodial sentence. Lewis Edwards, who joined the police force in 2021, has been dismissed following a misconduct hearing. The case demonstrates the harm caused by such predatory behaviour and the importance of safeguarding children from online exploitation.