A paedophile apprehended for viewing child sexual abuse photos was granted leniency from incarceration due to his own history as a victim.
Anthony Lowe, previously charged for possessing child sexual abuse material, received a suspended sentence instead of immediate incarceration.
The 51-year-old ex-prison warden had downloaded 85 category A photographs (penetration, bestiality, or sadism), 19 category B images, and 46 category C images when he was apprehended on October 28 of the previous year.
Judge Benjamin Nolan stated, “The most apparent course of action regarding you would be to incarcerate you without delay.”
‘However, I’ve read your psychiatric report which indicates that you have your demons as a result of being abused as a child.’
He came to this decision after Lowe’s defence lawyer also told Teesside Crown Court how her client had become ‘isolated and depressed’ during lockdown.
His partner was working in a care home and Lowe was left on his own for long periods of time.
‘This was a momentary relapse,’ the attorney said.
The court also heard how Lowe ‘has chronic PTSD after witnessing a work colleague die and an inmate committing suicide’.
His partner has now rearranged her working hours so she can be at home with him on the weekends.
Lowe, from Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, was handed a 12-month prison term, suspended for two-years.
He was ordered to attend an accredited sex offender treatment programme and 60 rehabilitation days.
He will also sign the sex offenders’ register for 10 years.
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