AN EAST Cowes man has admitted possessing and distributing indecent images of children, some aged just three to five years old.

Some of were Category A images — the most serious kind.

Peter Williams, 40, of Captains Parade, appeared for sentencing at the Isle of Wight Crown Court on Monday.

The court heard he was turned in to police by his sister, who saw the images on his computer.

Williams admitted three offences of making indecent photographs of children, and two offences of distributing indecent photographs of children.

The files included 19 still images and six moving images in Category A, 26 still images in Category B and 18 still images in Category C.

He distributed one still image in Category A and four still images in Category B.

Michael Mason, prosecuting, said the images dated back to 2014 but police were alerted in 2016 by Williams' sister, who said she had seen them on his computer.

His home was searched and items confiscated. Police also found online searches indicating a sexual interest in children, aged between one and 14 years old.

There was also a file shredder installed on his hardware.

In interview, Williams denied any 'actual' abuse.

Richard Onslow, for Williams, said there was no suggestion of any further offences since the matter came to light, nor had he been back to the online sites.

Williams had had the case hanging over him since 2016 due to delays, which Judge Susan Evans QC said would be taken into consideration when sentencing. She also took into consideration a letter of support from Williams' mother, which said he had had a difficult time at school and had suffered mental and physical health problems since.

Williams was given a 24-month community order, to include 150 hours of unpaid work.

He was made subject of a sexual harm prevention order for five years and placed on the Sexual Offenders' Register.

The Crown Prosecution Service requested costs of £425 be considered, but Judge Evans said due to Williams' debts, she would not make any order of costs.

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