A shamed vicar who was serving a suspended sentence for possessing indecent images has now been jailed after police found child abuse images open on his laptop, with the 77-year-old telling officers "I have nothing else to do."
Background of the Case
Andrew Robinson, of Talybont-on-Usk, had already admitted possessing indecent images last year. He was handed a suspended sentence, placed on the sex offenders' register, and banned from accessing such material, according to WalesOnline.
The former Powys clergyman was still being monitored by Dyfed-Powys Police, whose offender management team carries out surprise checks. It was during one of these visits that officers uncovered the new images.
The Spot-Check Incident
On June 9, officers arrived at the retired vicar's doorstep to carry out a spot-check of his digital devices. Once inside, an open laptop contained animated graphic images of children engaging in sexual activity with adults.
When he was asked about the images, Robinson claimed "I didn't think these were illegal." After he was arrested, he stated: "I have nothing else to do."
Court Proceedings
The next day, on June 10, Robinson appeared before Merthyr Magistrates' Court charged with possession of a prohibited image of a child, where he pleaded guilty to the child sex offence and the breach of his sexual harm prevention order.
The sex offender's suspended sentence was also triggered, and he was jailed for a total period of 12 months and 12 weeks, and ordered to pay a fine of £187.
Police Statement
"Robinson claimed not to know that possessing animated images of children engaging in sexual activity was illegal," Dyfed-Powys Police's Detective Sergeant Paula Rutherford said.
"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."
