A MAN suspected of downloading indecent child images from the internet immediately came clean when police called at his home to seize computer equipment, a court was told.

Daniel Price was arrested when officers called at the address in Biscop Crescent, Newton Aycliffe, armed with a search warrant.

Durham Crown Court heard that he told the officers: “I’m sorry, it was a long time ago. The indecent images, I just came across them.”

Chris Baker, prosecuting, said examination of the mobile phone, laptop and hard drive seized revealed more than 1,000 indecent or prohibited images of children, including 270 still and 81 moving, in the top category.

Mr Baker said several hours of moving footage featured girls as young as three being abused.

When interviewed Price said he came across the images a few years previously and felt guilty when downloading the material.

He accepted having an interest in children and having spoken to like-minded individuals online.

Twenty-six-year-old Price admitted three counts of making indecent images and one of possessing prohibited images of children.

Lisa Carney, mitigating, said following an unprovoked attack in 2012 the store shelf stacker became almost reclusive when not at work.

He began to access adult pornography, but moved on to images and footage featuring children, to which he admitted he was sexually aroused.

“He’s very ashamed and embarrassed about them, but, from the outset, he’s been open and honest and has sought counselling, having so far undertaken five or six sessions to address his problem.

“It’s going well and since his arrest he’s viewed no further images of this type.”

Judge Christopher Prince said such activity crosses the custody threshold, but, “of significance” the defendant made immediate admissions, and has taken steps to address the issue.

He, therefore, imposed a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, during which Price must engage in an accredited programme to help overcome his predilection.

Price was also made subject of restrictions under the terms of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, as well as registration as a sex offender, both for ten years.