A BLAENAU Gwent man found to be in possession of more than 100 indecent images of children has avoided a prison sentence.

Stephen White, 57, of Worcester Street, Brynmawr, was handed a two-year community order at Cardiff Crown Court after pleading guilty to the offences.

The court heard that a police search was conducted at the defendant’s home address on the morning of February 13.

White, and another male in the house at the time, told officers they had nothing of interest to them when first asked at the door.

Clare Wilks, prosecuting, said that officers noticed White “seeming agitated” and that, when officers entered the house, he told them that he “looked at some dodgy porn”.

A hard-drive recovered by officers contained seven images and five videos under category B, along with 91 images and three videos under category C.

Officers also found a tablet containing one category B image and one category C image.

In a police interview White had told that officers that he had found the images on the internet and that he was “truly sorry”.

Ms Wilks told the court that many of the images were considered borderline and that the moving images were an aggravating feature.

Caroline Rees, defending, told the court to take into account her client’s early plea and his “heartfelt remorse”.

Prior to passing sentence, Judge Michael Fitton QC told White: “You have to realise that whenever you look at indecent images of children, somewhere a child is being abused. You’re looking at the destruction of their childhood and their lives completely.

“You need help, and the best help you can get is in the community by being re-educated to stop you from seeing this filth.”

Along with a community order, White must complete 30 days of rehabilitation and will be subject to a sexual harm and prevention order for five years.

He will also be placed on the sex offenders’ register for seven years.