Andrew Robinson, 77, was jailed for 12 months and 12 weeks after being found with prohibited images of children on an open laptop during an unannounced police visit to his Powys home
A former vicar has been imprisoned after being caught with banned images of children. During a surprise police check, officers found the images displayed on an open laptop, with Andrew Robinson telling police he didn’t believe they were against the law.
Robinson, 77, of Talybont-on-Usk, Brecon, appeared in court in April 2025 when he admitted to possessing indecent images of children. When sentenced last year for the offence, Robinson was given a suspended jail term, required to register as a sex offender, and handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Following his conviction and placement on the sex offender’s register, the ex-Powys vicar became subject to intensive monitoring by Dyfed-Powys Police’s offender management unit, who conduct surprise home visits.
On Tuesday, June 9, detectives visited his property to perform a routine inspection of his electronic equipment. Upon their arrival, officers spotted an open laptop displaying animated explicit images of children in sexual situations with adults.
When questioned about the material, Robinson insisted “I didn’t think these were illegal.”, reports Wales Online. Following his arrest, he remarked: “I have nothing else to do.”
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 the violation of his sexual harm prevention order. Robinson’s suspended sentence was also activated, resulting in a total jail term of 12 months and 12 weeks, along with a fine of £187.
Detective Sergeant Paula Rutherford stated: “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.”
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