Andrew Robinson (Image: Dyfed-Powys Police)
Last Updated: 3 minutes ago
A retired vicar has been jailed for 12 months and 12 weeks after detectives carrying out an unannounced spot check at his home discovered prohibited images of children on his laptop.
Andrew Robinson, of Talybont-on-Usk, Brecon, pleaded guilty at Merthyr Magistrates’ Court to possessing a prohibited image of a child and breaching a sexual harm prevention order.
The spot check
As a registered sex offender, Robinson was subject to monitoring by Dyfed-Powys Police’s offender management unit, which carries out unannounced visits to check offenders’ digital devices.
On Tuesday 9 June, detectives arrived at Robinson’s address to review his devices. Officers found an open laptop clearly displaying animated graphic images of children engaging in sexual activity with adults.
When confronted, Robinson told the detective: “I didn’t think these were illegal.”
After being arrested, he stated: “I have nothing else to do.”
Previous conviction
Robinson had appeared before the courts in April 2025, where he admitted possessing indecent images of children.
The then 77-year-old received a suspended prison sentence, was placed on the sex offender’s register, and made subject to a sexual harm prevention order.
Court appearance
Robinson was refused bail following his arrest and appeared at Merthyr Magistrates’ Court on 10 June, where he admitted the offences.
His suspended sentence was activated. He was jailed for a total of 12 months and 12 weeks and ordered to pay a £187 fine.
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.”
