PETER ROBINSON OF ROCHDALE ESCAPES JAIL DESPITE VILE SEX PICTURES INVOLVING YOUNG GIRLS

In a case that has shocked the community of Rochdale, Peter Robinson, a 63-year-old man with a disturbing history of sexual offenses, has narrowly avoided imprisonment after being found in possession of highly inappropriate and illegal images involving young girls. The incident unfolded in June 2010 when police officers, acting on a warrant due to Robinson’s prior convictions, conducted a routine search of his residence on Cumberland Road in Rochdale.

During the search, authorities discovered a collection of 82 images and videos stored on Robinson’s computer. These materials ranged from less severe depictions of young girls in sexual poses to more extreme and disturbing content, including images of minors bound to metal frames. The discovery of such material raised serious concerns about Robinson’s potential risk to the community and his propensity for re-offending.

Robinson had previously been convicted in 2003 for sexual offenses against two underage girls, for which he received a sentence of nearly five years in prison. The recent findings prompted a court hearing at Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court, where Robinson faced multiple charges related to the possession of indecent images.

He pleaded guilty to seven counts of possessing indecent pictures and videos. A probation officer’s report presented to the court emphasized that Robinson posed a significant risk of re-offending, especially considering the nature of the images found and his past criminal record. The report recommended that Robinson be given a custodial sentence with an extended period of supervision.

However, Judge Timothy Mort faced a legal dilemma. Due to statutory constraints on the maximum length of sentences he could impose, he explained that he was unable to extend Robinson’s sentence beyond a certain limit. The judge stated, “My dilemma is either to impose a custodial sentence of not much longer than 12 months, or I have to consider an alternative which would be more constructive.”

Ultimately, Judge Mort decided against sending Robinson to prison. He explained, “I would have to sentence you to not less than four years to get you on to a sex offenders’ programme in prison, and for that reason I am not sending you to prison.” The judge expressed concern over Robinson’s age but emphasized the ongoing risk he posed. “Despite your age, there is a serious risk of your re-offending, and translating your viewing of indecent images into actual contact with young children,” he said.

Instead of incarceration, Robinson was handed a three-year community order. During this period, he will be under supervision by the Probation Service and required to participate in a sexual offenders treatment programme. Additionally, he will be subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, which prohibits him from having any unsupervised contact with children under the age of 16 indefinitely.

Judge Mort’s remarks underscored the gravity of the case, stating, “People often think there are no victims in this sort of case. In fact, young human beings are subjected to horrendous abuse for others’ pleasure. They will be scarred and damaged for life.” He further warned that Robinson’s past actions and the viewing of such images could increase the likelihood of him targeting children in the future, emphasizing the importance of public protection. The court’s decision reflects the complex balance between legal constraints and the need to safeguard the community from individuals like Robinson, whose actions continue to pose a serious threat.