A HAMPSHIRE paedophile tried to avoid being sentenced after downloading thousands of indecent images of children. 

A court heard how police found more than 9,000 images after seizing devices belonging to Warren Bone. 

A total of 1,898 of these were judged to be category A images - the most serious kind. 

Whilst 1,953 were considered to be category B and 5,586 category C. 

After initially denying knowledge of the images that were downloaded to his computer, Bone told police he had a drug problem and would look at the images for his own self-gratification.

Bone, 53, formerly of Cranleigh Road, Fareham was convicted on May 16 this year of making and distributing indecent images, as well as possession of extreme pornography.

But on June 17 when he was due to be sentenced, he failed to attend. 

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A warrant was issued for his arrest and after an investigation including a public appeal by police, he was arrested on August 21. 

Appearing at Portsmouth Crown Court today, he was sentenced for three counts of making indecent images of children, 3 counts of distributing indecent images of children, 1 count of possessing extreme pornography, and one count of failing to comply with his notification requirements.

Judge Shepherd jailed Bone for three years and seven months.

DC Martin Timmis said: “Bone poses a clear risk to the public due to his perverse interest in downloading indecent images of children.

“He actively tried to avoid being brought to justice, and knew full well he was wanted by police and the courts.

“I hope that the public remain reassured that we take a robust stance against targeting sex offenders, particularly those who abuse or have an interest in children, and will work tirelessly to get these people off the streets.”

Bone had also been under investigation for breaching his Sex Offenders Register notification requirements at the time of his disappearance.

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