A MAN has admitted committing 17 child pornography offences.

Christopher Smith, 43, of Bessemer Street, Ferryhill, pleaded guilty to 16 charges of making indecent images of children and a further charge of possessing a total of 20 images at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court today (Friday, March 1).

The offences occurred between June 7 2009 and October 13 2012.

The court heard the girls in the photographs were under the age of 13.

Magistrates committed the case to Durham Crown Court on April 5 for sentencing.

Smith was granted unconditional bail.

More Crime News