Hampshire man downloaded thousands of child abuse images

Peter Phillips-Jones had 2,820 indecent images on his electronic devices.

These included a mix of photos and videos ranging from category A - the most serious - to category C.

Prosecution barrister, Puneet Grewal, told how the veterinary technician, of Hayter Gardens in Romsey, used a website called TalkwithStranger.

She also described how the 59-year-old would receive, download and share images of children with other users.

However, he denied “chatting” about child abuse, the court heard.

Ms Grewal said that matters came to light on May 31 last year when police visited his home.

It was suggested that he had been uploading indecent images to the internet.

Asked if he was responsible, he said yes.

Appearing before Southampton Crown Court, he pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children.

The offences happened between 2016 and 2020

Phillips-Jones, who was unrepresented and who has no previous convictions, wept while sitting in the dock.

Judge Gary Burrell QC asked him a series of questions and allowed him to address the court.

Asked why he looked at the images, he said: “I was just playing on my computer. I was lonely. I was on my own. That was the reason why.”

When the judge pointed out that there were more than a thousand images, Phillips-Jones said he was not very “computer literate” and that some of the files could have been duplicated.

He even said: “I have never liked the internet.”

The defendant, who once worked as a science technician, said “intrigue” triggered his motivation to look at the photos.

He denied being sexually attracted to children.

He added: “I did not look at them consistently or go to look at them all the time”.

Judge Burrell gave him a 24-month community order to include up to 40 rehabilitation activity days.

He must register as a sex offender for five years.