"The problem is when an accusation is made,or suspicion is raised,of involvement in viewing or perpetrating paedophilic acts,it forever leaves a question mark over the accused."

Townsend wasn't accused. He made a public statement of his own volition "to clear his name", yet he hadn't been officially accused of anything. He chose to respond to rumors circulating in the tabloids. He could just have easily handled this very differently, through a solicitor if necessary. It is pretty apparent that this is a man who is very confused, feels very threatened, and doesn't seem to be receiving very good counsel, if any, from those closest to him.