Porn sentence prompts fears (From Oxford Mail)

Porn sentence prompts fears

7:22pm Friday 12th September 2008

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Child protection campaigners fear paedophiles could blame medication for their crimes after the controversial sentencing of sex offender Phillip Carmichael.

Carmichael was granted an absolute discharge at Oxford Crown Court yesterday despite admitting downloading 7,466 indecent images of children.

The former deputy headteacher of Wantage County Primary School was told he was blameless by Judge Mary Jane Mowat after claiming his Parkinson’s disease medication caused him to develop uncontrollable sexual urges.

Michele Elliott, founder of children’s charity Kidscape, has admitted concern that child abusers would follow Carmichael’s lead.

Ms Elliott said: "I fear that because this man has got off using this excuse, other paedophiles will say ‘I am taking ‘X’ drug — it wasn’t me guv, it was the drug'. It has set a precedent."

Carmichael, 58, from Adkin Way, Wantage, was arrested in September and later admitted seven counts of making indecent photographs and four counts of possessing indecent pictures of children.

He was ordered to sign the sex offenders' register, but was otherwise unpunished by Judge Mowat.

Carmichael claimed his compulsive behaviour was caused by side effects of the drugs Cabergoline and Ropinirole — known dopamine agonists — which he was taking to control his Parkinson’s.

Last night the Parkinson’s Disease Society said one in seven people taking dopamine agonists could be affected by symtoms, including hypersexuality.

Dr Kieran Breen, director of research and development at the society, said: "Compulsive behaviour such as an uncontrollable addiction to gambling, sex, and binge eating could affect up to 14 per cent of people with Parkinson's taking these drugs."

Anyone worried about the side effects of their Parkinson's medication is advised to contact their doctor immediately, or call the society on 0808 800 0303.

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