Andrew Robinson told police he didn’t think they were illegal when officers discovered indecent images of children on an open laptop after making an unannounced visit to his home in Brecon
Andrew Robinson has been jailed(Image: MEN Media)
A retired vicar has been jailed after he was found with indecent images of children.
Andrew Robinson, of Talybont-on-Usk, Brecon, told police he didn’t think they were illegal when officers discovered the images on an open laptop after making an unannounced visit to his home.
The 77-year-old admitted to possessing indecent images of children in April 2025. When he was sentenced last year for the crime, Robinson received a suspended prison sentence, was ordered to sign the sex offender’s register, and issued a sexual harm prevention order.
Due to the conviction and that fact he’d been added to the sex offender’s register, the former Powys vicar was subject to close supervision by Dyfed-Powys Police’s offender management unit who sometimes make unannounced police visits.
On Tuesday, June 9, detectives attended his home to carry out a spot-check of his digital devices. Upon arrival, officers discovered an open laptop clearly showing animated graphic images of children engaging in sexual activity with adults, reported WalesOnline.
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.”
Robinson was charged with possession of a prohibited image of a child and appeared before Merthyr Magistrates’ Court on June 10.
He has pleaded guilty to the child sex offence and the breach of his sexual harm prevention order. Robinson’s suspended sentenced 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.
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.
“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.”
