Shaun Smith 60

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Shaun Smith, a convicted sex offender, hid a secret unregistered phone used for pornography under his sofa when police visited his home.

The 60-year-old appeared at Cardiff Crown Court, pleading guilty to two breaches of his sexual harm prevention order—his fifth such violation, following convictions in July 2020, January 2022, July 2023, and October last year.

“You show a complete disregard for this order,” said Judge Paul Hobson.

Smith was placed on the sex offenders register and given a 10-year order in 2018 after being convicted of attempting to meet a child following grooming. The order required him to register internet-capable devices with police within three days and submit them for inspection.

Prosecutor Abul Hussain said police went to Smith's Ammanford home on October 20 after intelligence suggested he had an unregistered phone. Smith handed over a Nokia, claiming it was his only device, and said a certain mobile number belonged to his neighbor, which he sometimes used as a contact.

When told the story would be verified, Smith became agitated. He was arrested, with two SIM cards found in his wallet and a smartphone hidden under the sofa.

The phone had been in use since at least October 6, primarily for viewing pornography, with no evidence of child-related material. Smith refused to provide the PIN.

Smith, of Glanafon in Betws, had 10 previous convictions for 15 offences.

“The defendant’s best mitigation is his guilty plea at the earliest opportunity,” said defense barrister Hannah George.

“You lie to your monitoring officers when that suits your purposes,” added Judge Hobson. “You deliberately concealed your phone.”