Pensioner downloaded hundreds of child sex abuse images.

Pensioner Sentenced for Child Sex Abuse Images

A 77-year-old pensioner has been sentenced for downloading hundreds of child sex abuse images, despite his efforts to stop his offending by taking up bird watching.

Peter Calladine, an RAF veteran, accessed the material online for many years and would periodically delete the content, only to find more images on the internet. He pleaded guilty to three counts of possessing indecent images of children.

Bournemouth Crown Court heard that Calladine had a history of "irrational impulses" to collect things, which began in his childhood with stamps and later manifested in the form of adult websites. He admitted to police that he was "disgusted" by his behaviour and attempted to stop viewing the images by taking up bird watching, but it was unsuccessful.

Police found 115 category A, 197 category B, and 1,144 category C moving and still images on Calladine's computer. The judge, Jonathan Fuller KC, described the images as "very disturbing" and highlighted the reality of child abuse behind such content.

Despite the seriousness of the offenses, Calladine was spared a custodial sentence due to his good character, service in the RAF and community work, and the delay in the case coming to court. He received a two-year community order, 25 rehabilitation activity days, a £340 cost order, and was placed on the sex offenders register for five years.