SENTENCING in the case of a man from near the Powys border who has admitted three offences of making indecent images of children has been delayed until next month.

Samuel Rolfe, 35, was due to be sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court on Tuesday, July 2, but he failed to attend the hearing.

The court heard there had been some confusion over correspondence to Rolfe telling him he needed to attend this week, but Judge Anthony Lowe was told that Rolfe has complied with the author of a pre-sentence report and was not trying to avoid the hearing.

Rolfe, of Lydbury North, near Bishops Castle, indicated guilty pleas to three charges at Telford Magistrates court on May 14.

All charges relate to November 7, 2023, with Rolfe admitting making 68 Category A indecent images of a child – the most serious type – in Lydbury North on that day.

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He also admits making 67 Category B indecent images of a child and 26 Category C indecent images of a child.

Kevin Jones, representing Rolfe, said: “The case was committed here for sentence but despite his solicitors making contact with him, their emails and letters were not responded to.

“The defendant then responded this morning saying he hadn’t got any letters; he thinks they may have got lost.

“He had arranged for his father to bring him to court, but his dad is in the Peak District and he says he can’t get here now at the short notice he thinks he’s been given.

“I’d ask for an adjournment as the defendant has done two things in anticipation of sentence to suggest he’s not trying to avoid the hearing; he’s seen a psychotherapist and has engaged in the pre-sentence report. The case looks ready for sentence.”

Judge Lowe said: “I will give him the benefit of the doubt.”

He adjourned sentencing until July 15.