A retired vicar from Powys has been imprisoned after police discovered child abuse images on his laptop during an unannounced visit. Andrew Robinson, 77, of Talybont-on-Usk, Brecon, claimed he did not believe the images were illegal.
Background of the Case
Robinson appeared in court in April 2025 and admitted possessing indecent images of children. He was handed a suspended prison sentence, required to register as a sex offender, and given a sexual harm prevention order. Following his conviction, the ex-vicar was closely monitored by Dyfed-Powys Police's offender management unit, which conducts unannounced visits.
The Unannounced Visit
On Tuesday, 9 June, detectives arrived at Robinson's home for a spot-check of his electronic devices. Upon entering, they found an open laptop displaying animated graphic images of children engaged in sexual activity with adults. When questioned, Robinson said: "I didn't think these were illegal." After his arrest, he remarked: "I have nothing else to do."
Court Proceedings
Robinson was charged with possession of a prohibited image of a child and appeared at Merthyr Magistrates' Court on 10 June. He pleaded guilty to the child sex offence and breaching his sexual harm prevention order. His suspended sentence was activated, resulting in a total custodial term of 12 months and 12 weeks, along with a fine of £187.
Police Statement
Detective Sergeant Paula Rutherford said: "Robinson claimed not to know that possessing animated images of children engaging in sexual activity was illegal. The law is clear, and Robinson's behaviour was not just illegal, but wholly immoral and frankly disturbing."
She added: "People may think that there are no 'real' victims in these types of offences, but the very act of viewing such images online feeds the demand to produce more harmful images. Viewing indecent images can often be the first step towards committing serious sexual offences against children, and we have a duty to protect children from harm."
Conclusion
Detective Sergeant Rutherford concluded: "The sentencing of Robinson is an excellent result by a tenacious and dedicated team who target and monitor registered sex offenders in the community. The safeguarding and protection of the public online, and in the community, is the focus of our work and this custodial sentence reflects that commitment."
