ALAN ROSSER FROM WELTON ESCAPES JAIL AFTER POLICE FIND ANIMAL PORNOGRAPHY IN LINCOLNSHIRE

In a case that has shocked the local community, Alan Rosser, a former Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) from Welton, near Lincoln, narrowly avoided a prison sentence after admitting to possessing a significant collection of extreme animal pornography on his home computer. The incident dates back to December 2010, when police officers executed a search warrant at Rosser's residence, leading to the discovery of nearly 5,000 illicit images and videos.

Rosser, who had been serving as a PCSO since 2003 and was well regarded within the Lincolnshire Police Neighbourhood Policing Team based in Caistor, was arrested during this operation. The search and subsequent examination of his computer revealed a disturbing cache of material involving both adults and animals engaged in sexual acts. Prosecutor Laura Pitman informed Lincoln Crown Court that the police seized Rosser’s computer, which was later scrutinized for illegal content.

According to Miss Pitman, the police found that Rosser’s computer contained approximately 12 live video clips that he could still access. During police interviews, Rosser admitted that he was aware of the presence of these images on his device. He explained that he had watched a documentary on television about people engaging in sexual activities with animals, which piqued his curiosity. Out of this curiosity, he visited a website hosting adult pornography, where he viewed a series of films. He claimed that the last time he accessed such material was around 2009, roughly a year before the police search.

Rosser, aged 61, who resides on Eagle Drive in Welton, was charged with six counts of possessing extreme pornography. He pleaded guilty to these charges, which related to material found on December 14, 2010. The court heard that his actions had been a source of concern, but he maintained that he did not derive sexual pleasure from the content. Despite this, Judge Michael Heath dismissed this claim, stating, “I don’t accept that.”

In mitigation, Rosser’s defense lawyer, Stephen Grattage, highlighted his previously good reputation, emphasizing that he had been a dedicated and well-regarded member of the police force for many years. Grattage explained that Rosser was unaware that possessing such material was a criminal offense and expressed remorse for his actions. He described Rosser as being “shaken” by the charges and noted that he was held in custody briefly for his own safety after being charged.

Furthermore, the defense pointed out that the material was stored in areas of his computer that appeared to be automatically managed by his internet browser, and that Rosser was surprised by the number of clips—around 60 in total—that he had viewed. The court was told that Rosser did not gain sexual gratification from the material, a claim that was ultimately rejected by the judge.

As part of his sentence, Rosser was given a three-year community order, which includes a three-month curfew. He was also ordered to attend a sex offenders’ rehabilitation course, and his computer was confiscated. The judge acknowledged Rosser’s previously good character but emphasized the seriousness of his offenses, stating, “It is clear that you were highly thought of.”