A MAN who built up a catalogue of 640,000 “horrendous” sex abuse images and videos has been jailed for 45 months.

Mark Ferguson, 56, told National Crime Agency (NCA) officers he was aroused by the images – which included newborn babies to teenagers – and that he was “more of a collector” who wanted full sets of images.

Acting on intelligence, on February 3 last year, the NCA arrested Ferguson at his home in Baulkham Hills, Houghton-le-Spring, on suspicion of making, possessing and distributing indecent images of children.

Investigators removed 19 electronic devices including a computer, laptop, mobile phones and memory sticks.

Ferguson, who owns his own electronics company, admitted downloading and storing 640,465 child sex abuse images he amassed over ten years.

He shared thousands of images in more than 4,000 chat logs with other offenders online.

The videos and pictures ranged in classification from A (the most severe), B, C, prohibited and extreme.

He admitted three counts of making and three counts of distributing indecent images of children and was sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court today.

NCA senior investigating officer Graham Ellis said: “Ferguson’s horrendous collection featured the very worst of every category.

“He ordered and catalogued the substantial volume of images into year and gender and swapped them with other offenders.

“We work tirelessly with partners to ensure those who access and share these sickening images online are located and brought to justice.”