Robin Atkinson avoided jail after possessing child abuse images and videos. Court heard of his obsession and attempts to delete material.
Ben Thompson, the prosecutor, spoke at Bournemouth Crown Court. Police identified Atkinson through his IP address on July 10, 2023, when he lived with his parents.
Atkinson reportedly “broke down” and admitted possessing indecent images, acknowledging the presence of child abuse material on his computer.
Police discovered 167 category C photos, 28 category B images, and fifty-three category C images. Some of the videos lasted up to 12 minutes.
The victims were between nine and sixteen years old. The downloads occurred from April to July 2023. Although officers could not access much material, they suspected data deletion.
Atkinson admitted everything in his police interview, revealing an “on and off obsession.” He knew the images were illegal, deleting and re-downloading them, while claiming he was not attracted to children in person.
Kevin Hill, defending Atkinson, stated that his client became desensitized. The defendant is currently unemployed and awaited the trial’s outcome while suffering from low self-esteem.
Judge Mousley noted that Atkinson had folders for saving images, despite having no prior convictions. He acknowledged Atkinson’s steps to change his behavior and assessed his risk of re-offending as low.
Atkinson pleaded guilty to three counts involving making indecent images. The court issued a three-year order, requiring him to complete 40 programme sessions, 120 unpaid hours, and attend 15 rehab activity days, as well as pay £150 in costs. A 10-year prevention order is also in place.