PHILLIP CARMICHAEL FROM WANTAGE ESCAPES JAIL AFTER PARKINSON'S MEDICATION BLAMED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

In a case that has shocked the community of Wantage, Phillip Carmichael, a 58-year-old former headmaster, was recently acquitted of serious charges related to child pornography. The court heard that Carmichael had downloaded a significant number of indecent images and videos, including one classified as the most severe “Level Five” category. However, the judge, Mary-Jane Mowat, accepted his defense that his actions were influenced by medication prescribed for his Parkinson’s Disease, which allegedly heightened his sexual urges.

During the proceedings at Oxford Crown Court, it was revealed that Carmichael had admitted to downloading the illicit material. The evidence showed that he had accumulated approximately 8,000 images and videos, with most falling into the less severe “Level One” category. Nonetheless, four videos were classified as Level Four, indicating a higher degree of severity. Among the images was one of a nine-year-old girl, which Carmichael claimed he downloaded before he began taking medication for Parkinson’s and Graves’ Diseases. The court was told that he was unaware of why this particular image was present on his device, and Judge Mowat agreed to disregard it in her judgment.

Further details revealed that Carmichael, who retired from his role as a primary school headmaster in 1999 due to health issues, had a history of compulsive behaviors. He was reported to have emailed a website to complain about the quality of the images he had downloaded. The court also heard that side effects of the medication he was taking included hypersexuality, as well as compulsive gambling and shopping, which may have contributed to his actions.

It was noted that Carmichael’s criminal record was otherwise impeccable, and he had maintained good conduct prior to this incident. Despite the seriousness of the charges, the prosecution sought to have him placed under supervision, but this request was rejected by Judge Mowat, who emphasized his “impeccable record” and the influence of his medication.

Following his arrest, Carmichael ceased taking the medication. He was charged with seven counts of making indecent images and four counts of possession. Ultimately, he was given an absolute discharge, meaning he would not face further punishment, as the court accepted that his medication had played a significant role in his actions and that he was not a danger to the public.