Two individuals from Wales have been jailed for a total of 46 years for their roles in the prolonged sexual abuse of a child, following an investigation led by the National Crime Agency (NCA).

Court Sentencing and Offences

David Leonard and Claire Bray were sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court on 19 May 2025, after pleading guilty to multiple counts of child sexual abuse, the creation and distribution of indecent images of children, and possession of extreme pornography. The pair were each handed a 23-year sentence with an additional eight years on licence, in line with guidelines from The Sentencing Council.

The abuse, which spanned several years, was orchestrated by both offenders, with Bray accused of grooming the victim for sexual exploitation. Investigators uncovered disturbing chat messages, which revealed plans to abuse the child and share exploitative material online. The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) stresses that such content leads to repeated victimisation every time it is viewed or shared.

NCA: “Horrific Abuse Filmed and Shared”

Daniel Waywell, Senior Investigating Officer with the NCA, described the case as one of “collaboration to fuel sexual interest in children,” adding that the abuse was filmed and distributed to paedophile networks. The NCA confirmed this case falls under its 2024–2025 Strategic Plan priorities, with increasing emphasis on cross-border digital crimes.

“This was calculated and systematic abuse of a vulnerable child. Our partnership with international agencies, including the FBI, was crucial in stopping these offenders,” said Waywell.

Global Cooperation and Digital Trends

The case also reflects wider global challenges in tackling online child sexual exploitation, as highlighted by Interpol, Europol, and The Lucy Faithfull Foundation. Investigators noted that Leonard and Bray possessed hundreds of indecent images and extreme pornography, some of which were sourced or shared via the dark web.

Organisations such as Childnet International have warned of grooming tactics increasingly used by predators, while UNICEF estimates millions of children globally are affected by online exploitation.

Public Reaction

Public response on social media has been swift and angry. One user on X (formerly Twitter) commented, “Absolutely disgusting. Well done NCA and FBI,” while others have called for tougher sentences and stricter controls over child protection online. These views are echoed by child welfare organisations such as NSPCC, Barnardo’s, and Stop It Now!

Broader Impact

The case has reignited discussions about the effectiveness of UK child safeguarding measures and the need for international cooperation in tackling digital abuse. The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse has repeatedly called for tougher regulation and faster intervention.

The NCA’s CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command) continues to work closely with schools and local authorities through educational tools like ThinkuKnow, aiming to empower children and caregivers.