(UNITED KINGDOM)
Shropshire Star [Shropshire, UK]
June 17, 2026
By Dominic Robertson
Andrew Robinson told police “I didn’t think these were illegal”
A former vicar has been jailed after being found in possession of sick images of children during an unannounced police visit – after he avoided prison for previous similar offences.
Andrew Robinson, of Talybont-on-Usk near Brecon in Powys, was given a suspended prison sentence in April 2025 after admitting possessing indecent images of children.
At his sentencing last year, the 77-year-old was also added to the sex offenders register, and issued with a sexual harm prevention order.
As a registered sex offender Robinson was subject to close supervision from Dyfed-Powys Police’s offender management unit – which includes unannounced police visits.
The force said that on Tuesday last week (June 9) detectives visited Robinson’s home address to carry out a spot-check review of his digital devices.
A spokesman for the force said: “In a brazen display of complete disregard for his court order and suspended prison sentence, officers found an open laptop clearly showing animated graphic images of children engaging in sexual activity with adults.
“When confronted by the detective, Robinson claimed ‘I didn’t think these were illegal’.
“Upon arrest, Robinson continued to show no regard for the severity of his actions, stating ‘I have nothing else to do’.
“Robinson was swiftly charged with possession of a prohibited image of a child.”
The former vicar was refused bail and appeared at Merthyr Magistrates’ Court the next day (June 10).
Robinson pleaded guilty to the offence and a separate breach of his sexual harm prevention order.
The suspended sentence was triggered; Robinson was immediately jailed for 12 months and 12 weeks and ordered to pay a fine of £187.
Afterwards, Detective Sergeant Paula Rutherford, said: “Robinson claimed not to know that 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.”