AN EX-MARINE has avoided jail after he downloaded more than a thousand indecent images of children.
John Oldroyd, 54 of Yorke Way, Hamble-le-Rice downloaded over 1,000 images of children being abused over a seven-year period.
However, police raided his home when they were tipped off by a service provider.
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Officers examining his devices found a stash of indecent images including 95 Category A files - the most serious category.
They also found 112 category B images and 845 category C.
Appearing at Southampton Crown Court, Oldroyd who served 15 years in the Royal Marines, was charged with three counts of making indecent photographs of a child.
He previously pleaded guilty to the offences committed between 2013 and 2020.
Prosecuting, James Kellam told the court that the website used to obtain the images is “notorious” but refused to name the site.
He said “I ask that the two computers be destroyed” adding that it is most important that the hard drives are also disposed of.
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But defence barrister, Laura Hollingberry said Oldroyd is “very much aware of the impact that this offending has on countless child victims”.
She added that since he was arrested two years ago, he has sought the help of a psychotherapist and described the past couple of years as “the worst two years of his life”.
Described as a “charitable man” in court, Oldroyd works at a boat and yacht yard doing maintenance as well as doing unpaid work for charities.
The court Recorder, Mr Recorder Don Tait, said to him: “I’m sure if you didn’t appreciate it before that you appreciate it now. This sort of offence is not a victimless offence by any means.”
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But he added though that Oldroyd had helped police as soon as they became aware of the images, surrendering the devices.
He imposed an 18-month community order to include up to 40 rehabilitation activity requirement days.
Oldroyd was handed a five-year sexual harm protection order.
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