Paedophile spared jail due to his own childhood abuse.

Anthony Lowe, a 51-year-old former prison warden, was caught possessing child sex abuse images for the second time. He downloaded 85 category A images, 19 category B and 46 category C images on October 28, 2022.

Despite the severity of the offense, Judge Benjamin Nolan decided to hand Lowe a suspended sentence instead of immediate imprisonment.

"The most obvious way of dealing with you would be to send you immediately to prison," Judge Nolan stated. "However, I've read your psychiatric report which indicates that you have your demons as a result of being abused as a child."

Lowe's defense lawyer argued that her client had become "isolated and depressed" during lockdown, leading to a "momentary relapse." The court also heard about Lowe's chronic PTSD stemming from witnessing a colleague's death and an inmate's suicide while working in prison.

Lowe's partner has adjusted her work schedule to be at home with him on weekends, providing support. He was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered to attend a sex offender treatment program, complete 60 rehabilitation days, and register as a sex offender for 10 years.