Braveheart stuntman admits downloading indecent images of children

Former film stuntman, 63, who appeared in Braveheart admits downloading more than 250 indecent images of children

• Andrew Pattullo, 63, was made to sign the Sex Offender Register for five years
• Officers found 254 indecent videos and pictures of children on his two laptops 
• The majority of the material was Category A – the most severe type  

A former film stuntman who worked on Braveheart has pleaded guilty to downloading 254 indecent videos and pictures of children.

Andrew Pattullo, 63, of Hollydean in Gloucestershire, was made to sign the Sex Offender Register and was sentenced at Gloucester Crown Court to a three-year community order which includes 100 hours of unpaid work.   

Prosecutor Ramin Pakrooh told the court that Gloucestershire Police went to Pattullo’s home on February 8, 2019, after being tipped off by the National Crime Agency that indecent images were being downloaded at the address.

‘Officers seized two laptops, one that was currently in use and an older device that had effectively been retired,’ said Mr Pakrooh.

Andrew Pattullo, 63, of Hollydean in Gloucestershire, was made to sign the Sex Offender Register and was sentenced at Gloucester Crown Court to a three-year community order which includes 100 hours of unpaid work

‘The devices were examined by experts who discovered videos and images on the current machine and the footprints of illegal activity which had been deleted from the older laptop.

‘Pattullo downloaded 104 videos, lasting six hours and 35 minutes and seven images in the most severe A category; another 98 videos, that run for three hours and 25 minutes and 39 images in Category B and two videos, lasting 42 seconds and four images in category C.

‘There were 16 ”footprints” of older files that had been deleted, which were found on the older computer.

‘There is no evidence that Pattullo distributed any of the images and he is therefore only charged with possession.

‘The majority of the material is in the A category, the most severe..’

Jonathan Lewis, defending said: ‘Pattullo was arrested on February 8, 2019 but only interviewed following the examination of his computers in May 2020 and subsequently postally requisitioned last August.

Prosecutor Ramin Pakrooh told the court that Gloucestershire Police went to Pattullo’s home on February 8, 2019, after being tipped off by the National Crime Agency that indecent images were being downloaded at the address. Pictured: Gloucester Crown Court

‘During this time he has suffered a mental breakdown, with a recurrence of his post traumatic stress disorder that he suffered while working with the fire service in Edinburgh for 17 years.

‘He is a man of good character, who has since started a new career in 2010 as a chimney sweep.’

Pattullo took part many films and commercials but the highlight of his career was with Braveheart, which won an Academy Award for Best Picture in 1996. 

The Judge, Recorder Joanne Martin QC, told Pattullo ‘You had in your possession a large number of videos that totalled six-and-a-half hours and these showed that you have an interest in young children.

‘These are serious offences which are categorised as possession.

‘You will have to resolve your urge for this type of imagery as part of your sentence. In cases like this of a man who has worked hard all of his life, it is entirely appropriate that I consider a community-based sentence.

‘However this is not a victimless crime. You have been looking at videos and pictures of under-age children, perpetuating the market for this type of imagery. You are adding to the supply and demand of illegal pornography.

‘What’s needed more than anything is to stop you doing this again is to ensure you get some help.

‘Whilst your offending crosses the custody threshold, I believe it is much more sensible to get you to attend a course to address your problems.’

The judge sentenced Pattullo to a three year community order which includes attending the Horizon course (a Government course for medium-risk sex offenders) and complete 100 hours of unpaid work.

Pattullo was also ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for the next five years and to adhere to the terms of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for the same time period that limits his internet use.

The judge also ordered for the forfeiture and destruction of Pattullo’s two computers.

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