A MAN found in possession of indecent images of children for the third time conceded his “preoccupation” could result in an actual sexual attack on a young person.

Richard George Goundry’s fears were aired as he was jailed for two years for the large haul of offending images amassed on a computer hard drive at his home in Seaham, County Durham, which came to light last October.

Durham Crown Court heard an investigation begun in Canada into the world-wide exchange of indecent child images and film footage, led police to raid his home and remove computer equipment.

Forensic examination of the hard drive contents revealed 4,833 such images, including some video clips, of which 844 were in the most serious category.

Joanne Kidd, prosecuting, said several featured very young children, considered to be only a few months old, involved in penetrative sexual activity with adults.

She said there was also evidence that some of the children featured appeared to in pain and distressed at what was taking place.

Following expert analysis it was not possible to prove that Goundry distributed any himself, but some of the people with whom he was involved in chat room conversations had made them available for sharing to the defendant.

Miss Kidd said an aggravating feature was a previous conviction for possession of indecent child images, in 2005, and a caution four years earlier.

There was also an effort to conceal evidence of possession of the images in the latest case, with use of a browser to provide him with some element of anonymity in the chat room and internet use.

She said he also appeared to have made determined efforts to delete some material.

The court was told he previously told a probation report author he feared his behaviour “could progress” to contact sexual offences against a child.

Judge Christopher Prince said Goundry appeared to have been “candid” about his proclivity, but, “of concern” was his admission of a “pre-occupation” with very young children.

Bill Davison, for Goundry, said: “He’s a man who appreciates his difficulties.

“Other than images of children he’s never been involved in any criminality.”

Mr Davison said Goundry first became involved looking for such images as a young man, with gaps of four and ten years between “lapses”.

Goundry, 33, of Leechmere Crescent, admitted possessing indecent images of children.

Jailing him, Judge Prince told the defendant: “The images recovered were particularly disturbing, showing very young people, including babies, with some element of sadism."

He made him subject of a sexual offences prevention order restricting future access and use of the internet.