ROBERT PETRIE FROM CARRICKFERGUS SENTENCED FOR OVER 1,000 CHILD INDECENT IMAGES

A resident of Carrickfergus, Robert Petrie, aged 66 and known to use a wheelchair, has been found in possession of a disturbing collection of over 1,000 indecent images of children. The case was heard at Belfast Crown Court, where it was revealed that Petrie’s actions had come to light following a police search of his home in March 2021.

During the search, authorities seized multiple electronic devices from Petrie’s bedroom, including a computer and a USB flash drive. Subsequent examinations of these devices uncovered a total of 1,071 indecent images depicting children in various states of abuse. The images were classified as still photographs, with 90 of them categorized as the most serious type of abuse material.

Following his arrest, Petrie cooperated with police, admitting that he had downloaded the images from various online forums. He expressed remorse for his actions, telling officers that he was disgusted with himself. Later, during a session with a Probation Officer, Petrie disclosed that he had an attraction to children but insisted that he had never engaged in any sexual contact with minors.

At court, Petrie pleaded guilty to nine charges of making indecent images of children, with the offenses spanning from September 14, 2018, to March 27, 2021. The judge, Mr. Justice Smyth, acknowledged the severity of the images, noting that although they were static photographs, 90 of them fell into the category of the most serious material. She also considered Petrie’s health issues, including multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease, as well as his personal circumstances, such as his marriage breakdown, which was reportedly caused by his criminal behavior.

Judge Smyth explained that her decision to suspend the prison sentence was influenced by Petrie’s lack of recent offending, his health conditions, and his criminal record. She emphasized the gravity of the content, stating, “The images you have watched on a frequent basis are real. They are not fake. The young children being abused and incited to abuse are actual children whose lives and futures are being destroyed before your eyes.”

As a result, Petrie was sentenced to eight months in prison, but this sentence was suspended for three years, meaning he would not serve time unless he committed further offenses during this period. The court also ordered Petrie to be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for ten years and imposed a five-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order. Before leaving the courtroom, Petrie was warned that any future criminal activity would result in immediate imprisonment without the possibility of parole, underscoring the seriousness with which the court viewed his actions.