A SEX offender suspected of downloading images of children being sexually abused immediately expressed regret as he was being arrested.

Brett Alexander Watson was subject to police monitoring after receiving a suspended prison sentence for downloading indecent images of children, in 2016.

A risk management officer visited his Lanchester home and seized a mobile phone and a tablet, on July 2.

Durham Crown Court heard that as he was arrested on suspicion of repeating his previous offences he said: “I don’t know why I did it.”

Examination of his phone and tablet revealed seven videos featuring children as young as three being abused.

Six were in a password-protected application.

Watson, 24, of Holmside Avenue, admitted three counts of making indecent images of children.

Jane Waugh, mitigating, said he made “full and frank” admissions to police and expected to receive an immediate custodial sentence.

Jailing him for ten months, Judge James Adkin told Watson he does not appear to realise the harm caused to children featured in such videos.

Watson will be subject to sex offender registration for ten years.