A PENSIONER who downloaded more than 500 “disgusting” child abuse pictures will have to register as a sex offender for 10 years.

Jeffrey Reynolds, 72, of Victoria Avenue, Ebbw Vale, was handed a suspended jail sentence after he admitted using the internet to search for the disturbing images.

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Prosecutor Marian Lewis told Cardiff Crown Court how police officers raided the defendant's home last summer.

They found he had 56 category A images - the most extreme - 73 category B, and 382 category C pictures.

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Reynolds pleaded guilty to three counts of possessing indecent pictures.

Ben Waters, mitigating, said of his client: “He will never do anything like this again. This was a lapse.

“There is a lack of previous convictions. There were 511 pictures in total and there were no moving images.

“That is not as many as the courts are used to seeing.

“He entered guilty pleas. There is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation and he presents a low risk of re-offending.”

Mr Waters added how Reynolds had spent some time in police custody following his arrest in June last year.

Judge Michael Fitton QC told the defendant he had downloaded “disgusting” images of sexual abuse against children.

Reynolds was jailed for eight months, suspended for 18 months, and he must complete a rehabilitation activity requirement.

He will have to register as a sex offender until 2031.

The defendant was also made the subject of a 10-year sexual harm prevention order which will regulate his use of the internet.

Reynolds will have to pay £300 towards prosecution costs and a £100 victim surcharge.

Judge Fitton also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the electrical items seized which contained the illegal images.

After the case, an NSPCC Cymru/Wales spokesperson said: “When offenders like Reynolds download images of children being abused they are fuelling the demand for this sickening online trade.

“There is no question that in order to protect children from harm more needs to be done to disrupt this type of activity, which is why we want to see online safety and the prevention of child sexual abuse continue to be prioritised by the next Welsh Government.

“As we’ve outlined in our manifesto, we want Members of the Senedd to retain a commitment to a robust Child Safety Online Action Plan that leads a national protection and prevention approach with a focus on education and training.”

Children can contact Childline every day of the week on 0800 11 11 or via childline.org.uk.

Anyone with any concerns about the welfare of a child can call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or visit nspcc.org.uk for advice.