Once a Thief...

Because there’s a lot of misinformation out there, I’d like to take a moment to set the record straight about Pete Townshend.

A few years back he was arrested under suspicion of being a child pornographer. However, what had happened was this: in the process of writing his autobiography, he began to uncover repressed memories of abuse he suffered as a child. So he went to his computer and started looking around to learn what he could about these new memories and sensations he was feeling, and of course some of the links he found were to child porno sites. Amazed that one so easily find filth like this, he entered in a credit card so that he could see what other kinds of depravity was in the site. Here’s where he made his stupid mistake: Being a celebrity, he’s not used to thinking about consequences. My impression is that he thought that he was going to educate himself and then do some form of exposé. However, what he did – however inadvertently – was purchase child pornography. So he was arrested and charged.
However, After an investigation, the British government exonerated him from any blame. You can see all of the details at petetownshendisinnocent.com , but the damage was done: you still hear ignorant comments about how “sick” Townshend is from people (like the execrable Dennis & Callahan on WEEI) who are unaware of the situation.

The long and short of it is that if you’re familiar with his work – and particularly his efforts with the Children’s Health Fund – would know that he’s appalled by child abuse in any form. The incident was a result of poor judgment, and not of any depravity on Townshend’s part.
Thanks.

... adding, if you don't get the title reference, check this out.