Shop assistant hanged herself after finding child abuse images on her boyfriend’s phone

A shop assistant hanged herself after finding pornographic images of children on her boyfriend’s phone while he was at work, an inquest has heard.

Lydia Roberts, 21, was said to have felt ‘violated and hurt’ after she discovered illicit content from a Russian based website on a second device belonging to businessman Adam Wells, 27, on June 9, 2017.    

The pair subsequently began arguing by text over the discovery and although Wells returned to their shared flat at lunchtime the row continued and he went on a night out with friends and colleagues.    

Wells subsequently found Miss Roberts dead when he returned to their shared home in Radcliffe, Greater Manchester at 3.30am the following morning.

The company director, who ran a beauty products company, was subsequently hauled into court and ordered to sign the Sex Offender Register for five years for having indecent images.

An inquest heard Miss Roberts who worked for the retail chain H&M had a previous history of suicide attempts and had been prescribed medication for depression.

She and Wells had been in a relationship for two years but the tragedy occurred on June 10, 2017 after she made the discovery after he went to work.

An inquest heard Miss Roberts (pictured) who worked for the retail chain H&M had a previous history of suicide attempts and had been prescribed medication for depression

Recording a conclusion of suicide, Coroner Zak Golombeck told the Manchester hearing: ‘Adam and Lydia had been had been corresponding by text message during the course of June 9 when Lydia was at home and Adam was at work for a larger period of the day and later out with friends and colleagues.

‘The nature of the messages had been that Lydia and Adam had argued about content found on one of Adam Wells mobile phones. 

‘Adam Wells had returned home at around lunch time and shortly after him departing, Lydia had continued to message Adam Wells. 

‘It continued up until 7pm or shortly thereafter, whereupon no further text messaging or contact was made between Adam and Lydia.’

Wells then went out with friends and colleagues, the inquest heard. He returned home at 3.30am to found Miss Roberts hanged.  

‘He telephone the emergency services and an ambulance attended, but Lydia was pronounced dead,’ the coroner said.

‘I have considered the totality of the evidence and I am able to conclude that Lydia Roberts took her own life and intended to do so. 

‘There is evidence relating to her mental health and the nature of the correspondence taking place on that day between herself and Adam Wells.

Miss Roberts (pictured) and Wells had been in a relationship for two years but the tragedy occurred on June 10, 2017 after she made the discovery after he went to work

‘She had a history of attempting to take her own life, and also had depression and had been prescribed antidepressants.

‘She sadly died on June 10, 2017, when she was found hanging at home by Adam Wells. To the family, I offer my condolences.’

Wells appeared at Manchester magistrates court in July 2018 charged with possessing 31 indecent photographs of children. 

He was sentenced to a 12 month Community order, was ordered to complete 150 hours unpaid work and pay a £85 victim surcharge.

In a statement Miss Robert’s mother Michelle said: ‘Lydia lived with Adam Wells and had been in a relationship for two years from 2015 to 2017. 

‘On June 9 Lydia found a second phone of Adams and found it contained inappropriate images of young girls from a Russian based website.

‘Lydia felt violated, hurt and disgusted at what she found – even more so at the thought of Adam being with her young niece and nephew. 

‘I feel that he made her make the decision to do what she did. 

‘Adam Wells was at court July 2018 and has been charged with possessing indecent images of children and has been put on the sex offenders register.

‘As a family we are devastated at the loss of our beautiful daughter and for this we will never forgive him. 

‘In our opinion we are left now with more unanswered questions and hope one day to find out the truth.’

For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details.