That is such a bogus excuse. Even if he is truthful about being abused a a child, how could viewing child porn possibly assist one in either healing old wounds or writing an autobiography? It just doesn't make sense.
Even if Pete Townshend did have a bad childhood, he of all people, should be over it. I mean, he's had a wonderful life since childhood being a rich and famous rock star. Millions of people would have gladly traded places with him.
You he must have been into it pretty good to actually pull out a credit card and pay. I bet he was surfing the free kiddie sites and then wanted more action without all the hassle of busy free sites, so he thinks he'll just pay for his next fix of kiddie porn.