MasterChef finalist 'threatened cops to have indecent image charges dropped'

17 May 2023 , 13:26

1135     0

Former MasterChef contestant Caerwyn Ash is to stand trial accused of possessing indecent images of children (Image: BBC)

A MasterChef quarter-finalist threatened to leak "explicit" pictures of police officers unless charges of possessing indecent images were dropped, a court heard.

Caerwyn Ash, 41, appeared in the 2016 series of the popular BBC show and was arrested after being accused of possessing child sex abuse images.

A court heard Ash threatened to release "explicit" pictures of officers unless his case was dropped.

Ash was working as an associate professor of medical devices at the time of his appearance on the show.

Officers raided his partner's home and seized a number of devices in April 2019, Swansea Crown Court heard.

EastEnders' Jake Wood's snap of son has fans pointing out the pair's likeness

Prosecutor James Wilson said child abuse images and bestiality videos were found on a hard drive and computer tower from a garden office.

Caerwyn Ash appeared on the cooking show in 2016 (Media Wales)

Mr Wilson said: "The day before Ash was due to appear at magistrates' court he went to Swansea police station with a letter addressed to the "Head of CID".

In the letter Ash called for the charges against him to be dropped.

Mr Wilson told the court he would "create an earthquake" by publishing compromising material involving police officers engaged in sex acts.

He said: "Ash said he would use a trusted friend in the Press Association to bring the material into the public domain."

Ash, of St Thomas, Swansea, denies nine charges of possessing indecent images, prohibited images, and extreme pornography, and one of attempting to pervert the course of public justice.

Prosecutor Mr Wilson said 20 images and five videos of child abuse and 50 images and 35 videos involving bestiality were found on a hard drive.

Officers also found a computer tower containing 30 images of child abuse and one video, as well as 28 images involving animals and five videos.

The offences are alleged to have taken place between 2005-2019. University academic Ash is defending himself at the trial which is expected to last three weeks.

Mia O'Hare