A man found in possession of indecent images of children as young as two has been sentenced, with the court hearing he now lives in a tent after being prohibited from living with his five children.
Louis Piacentini, 37, of no fixed abode, was visited by police at his home on June 27 last year after being linked to a Kik account that had uploaded indecent images of children. He was arrested, and a search of the property led to a mobile phone being seized.
Forensic examination reveals images
At a sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Wednesday, the court heard that Piacentini provided the PIN number for the phone, allowing a forensic examination to take place.
Prosecutor Tim Lewis said category A images were discovered on the device, depicting children as young as two being subjected to penetrative sexual abuse. Category B images showed children aged between nine and 11 being abused, while category C images featured children aged between five and 15.
During his police interview, Piacentini provided "no comment" responses. He later pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images.
Homeless and living in a tent
The court heard that Piacentini is of previous good character. In mitigation, Gareth Williams said his client has five children and a partner but is no longer able to live at the family home because of these offences.
The defendant is homeless and is living in a tent in Newport, occasionally staying in a hotel. Mr Williams said his client has a good record of employment, and a reference was provided to the court by his employer.
Judge's sentencing remarks
Sentencing, Judge Eugene Egan said: "Somewhere in the world, numerous real children were sexually abused to make the content you saw. Individuals filmed those despicable images as they knew people like you would be interested in this depraved content... (The children) and their plight must not be forgotten in all this."
Piacentini was sentenced to 32 weeks imprisonment, suspended for two years. He was also made subject to an accredited programme requirement of 26 sessions, a mental health treatment requirement for 12 sessions, a probation requirement, and 180 hours of unpaid work, and must pay costs of £150.
He was also made subject to sex offender notification requirements and a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years.
