Antrim Man Spared Jail After Child Image Seizure

A Co Antrim man caught with over 1,000 indecent images of children was spared jail today (Monday).

Background: Robert Petrie, residing in Brackenridge Green in Carrickfergus, received an eight-month suspended prison sentence and a ten-year Sex Offenders Register requirement. Incident Details: The search of Petrie's home in March 2021 led to the seizure of electronic devices containing 1,071 indecent images. Legal Proceedings: Petrie confessed to downloading the images and expressed remorse during police interviews. He pleaded guilty to nine charges spanning from September 14, 2018 to March 27, 2021. Sentencing: Judge Smyth emphasized the severity of the images and Petrie's lack of awareness about his actions. Considering his health issues, the judge suspended the prison sentence for three years with a stern warning against future offenses.