A former Powys vicar has been jailed for 12 months and 12 weeks after being found in possession of prohibited images of children during an unannounced police visit.

Andrew Robinson, of Talybont-on-Usk, Brecon, had previously stood before the courts in April 2025 where he confessed possessing indecent images of children.

At his sentencing last year, the 77-year-old received a suspended prison sentence, was ordered to sign the sex offender’s register, and issued a sexual harm prevention order.

As a registered sex offender, Robinson was subject to close supervision by Dyfed-Powys Police’s offender management unit, whose work includes unannounced police visits.

On Tuesday 9 June 2026, detectives visited Robinson’s home address to carry out a spot-check review of his digital devices.

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 (10 June).

Robinson pleaded guilty to the child sex offence and the breach of his sexual harm prevention order.

Triggering his suspended sentence, Robinson was immediately jailed for 12 months and 12 weeks and ordered to pay a fine of £187.

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.”

Andrew Robinson was ordained in 1995 and served his whole ministry in the diocese of Swansea and Brecon.

He was Priest-in-Charge of the Benefice of Llanfeugan with Llanthetty with Llansantffraed-juxta-Usk and the Benefice of Llanfrynach and Cantref with Llanhamlach prior to his retirement in 2014. He held permission to officiate in the Diocese from 2014 until January 2024.

When police brought their investigation to the attention of the Church in Wales Safeguarding Team in January 2024, Andrew Robinson’s Permission to Officiate was immediately withdrawn. Following the conclusion of the criminal proceedings, the matter will be referred to the Church in Wales Disciplinary Tribunal, who will consider further appropriate action.

A spokesperson for the Church in Wales said: “These are abhorrent offences which exploit and promote the sexual abuse of children. We condemn this behaviour in the strongest possible terms and we hold the victims of these offences in our prayers. We are grateful to the police and to our own safeguarding team for their work in this matter. There is no place for any form of abuse in the Church in Wales.

“We give the highest priority to the care and protection of children and vulnerable people in our communities. To this end we regularly review our safeguarding procedures and provide extensive training to staff and volunteers.

“We encourage anyone with safeguarding concerns to contact a member of our team via the Church in Wales website:

Web: https://www.churchinwales.org.uk/en/safeguarding/reporting-safeguarding-concern/

Tel: 02920 348200

“Alternatively, Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal and safe space for anyone who has been abused through their relationship with either the Church of England, the Catholic Church in England and Wales or the Church in Wales.​”

You can contact the Safe Spaces team by:​

Web: www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk​

Tel: 0300 303 1056 (answerphone available outside of opening times)​