Mum admits helping paedo police officer son hide evidence

By Henry Moore

The mum of an ex-police officer who was given a life sentence for sexually abusing children has admitted to hiding evidence to hinder the investigation.

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Lewis Edwards, 24, incited more than 200 young girls aged between 10 and 16 to send him degrading pictures and videos over Snapchat.

Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke imposed 13 life sentences on Edwards, who refused to attend court, and ordered him to serve a minimum of 12 years in prison.

Now, his mother, Rebekah, 47, has admitted to hiding mobile phones in a bid to slow down the investigation into her son.

His mum and father, Mark Edwards, 51, were both also charged with perverting the course of justice by concealing devices.

Appearing at Merthyr Crown Court, Mrs Edwards pleaded guilty to the charge.

Defence barrister Giles Hayes highlighted the mother’s “previously good character” as he requested time to be made for pre-sentence reports to be made ahead of sentencing.

She was granted conditional bail.

Paedo cop Lewis appeared via videolink from prison where he pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice.

Sentencing for both will take place on November 22.

Lewis Edwards gained "sadistic enjoyment" from the distress of his young victims, a court heard last year.

Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke told Cardiff Crown Court: "These are extremely serious offences and the defendant is a prolific offender.

"He has caused significant harm to the victims, their parents, their siblings and their wider families.

"It is clear that he not only gained sexual gratification but he also enjoyed the power he had over the young girls."

She described his behaviour as "cruel and sadistic", adding that she found he was dangerous and posed a high risk of danger to children.