A former vicar has been sentenced to prison after being found in possession of banned images of children. During an unannounced police inspection, officers discovered the images displayed on an open laptop. Andrew Robinson told authorities he did not believe the images were illegal.
Background of the Case
Robinson, 77, from Talybont-on-Usk, Brecon, Powys, appeared in court in April 2025, where he admitted to possessing indecent images of children. At that time, he received a suspended jail sentence, was required to register as a sex offender, and was issued a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Following his conviction and placement on the sex offender register, the retired vicar was subject to intensive monitoring by Dyfed-Powys Police's offender management unit, which conducts unannounced home visits.
The Incident
On Tuesday, June 9, detectives visited Robinson's residence to perform a routine inspection of his electronic devices. Upon arrival, officers noticed an open laptop displaying animated explicit images of children involved in sexual situations with adults. When questioned about the material, Robinson insisted, 'I didn't think these were illegal.' After his arrest, he remarked, 'I have nothing else to do.'
Legal Proceedings
Robinson was charged with possession of a prohibited image of a child and appeared before Merthyr Magistrates' Court on June 10. The 77-year-old admitted to the child sex offence and violating his sexual harm prevention order. His suspended sentence was activated, resulting in a total jail term of 12 months and 12 weeks, along with a fine of £187.
Police Statement
Detective Sergeant Paula Rutherford commented: '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.'
'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.'
'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.'
