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Blind man denies viewing child porn because 'he couldn't see well enough'

Lawyer says his client may have believed he was looking at images of older people

Wednesday 30 August 2017 09:38 EDT

(Getty Images)

A blind man accused of downloading child pornography has reportedly denied viewing the pictures on the basis that he would not have been able to see them well because of his disability.

Blackpool Magistrate’s Court was told 44-year-old Andrew Shaw’s lack of vision could have meant he thought he was looking at pictures of older people.

Mr Shaw, of Derby Road, Thornton Cleveleys, Lancashire, is accused of possessing 71 indecent images of children, 12 of them deemed to be of the worst kind, the Mirror reported.

According to the newspaper, his defending lawyer, Allan Cobain, said: “This is an unusual case as my client is registered blind. He has no sight in one eye and only a small amount in the other."

“It may be argued that difficulty with his vision makes it difficult for him to put an age to images he downloads. He may think he is looking at 16-year olds.”

Mr Shaw, who attended court with his guide dog, was investigated for more than a year, the court heard.

While prosecutors said the case had been carefully prepared, Mr Cobain was able to have the case paused so it could be reviewed, according to the report.

Mr Shaw has been released on bail.