A MAN who was found in possession of ‘nauseating’ indecent images of children has avoided an immediate jail term.

Stephen Purcell, 26, of Cresswell Walk, Cwmbran, who previously pleaded guilty to charges of possessing three category A indecent images, possessing one category B indecent image and possession of one extreme pornography image and three extreme videos was given a jail term of eight months, suspended for two years at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday.

Jeffrey Jones, prosecuting, said police executed a warrant to search the home of Purcell in November after a referral from the National Crime Agency.

Officers seized a HP laptop, Samsung laptop and Samsung mobile phone belonging to Purcell from the home, the court heard.

After police examined the laptop, three indecent images were found which were deemed category A, the most serious level.

The images were in a folder titled ‘my sex pics’.

One image and three videos of ‘extreme pornography’ were found.

Search terms recovered from the laptop included searches which appeared to be geared towards finding selfies by young teens.

A receipt showed the laptop had been bought on October 31 and the images saved on to it later that night.

In a police interview, Purcell made admissions and said he had been sent the content from an unknown male via Skype.

Laurence Jones, defending, said Purcell can be considered ‘vulnerable’ due to suffering from mental illnesses and learning difficulties.

“In his admissions he said he needed help and wants help to address these issues,” said Mr Jones, defending. “He does not want to follow this path again.”

Mr Jones said Purcell, of no previous convictions, was considered at low risk of re-offending and would find it “difficult to cope” in prison due to his learning difficulties.

Judge Stephen Hopkins, sentencing, said “any normal person” would have found looking at the images “nauseating and distressing”.

Imposing the suspended sentence, Judge Hopkins said Purcell would have to complete a two-year programme for lower risk sex offenders. A sexual harm prevention order was made, and Purcell was ordered to register as a sex offender for five years.

An NSPCC spokesman said: “Possessing indecent images of children is an appalling crime and its essential that the police continue to investigate those responsible and bring them to court.
“It must be remembered that every indecent image is a crime scene and behind each one is a young victim, who will often need support as they recover from what has happened to them.
“Viewing such material only leads to its proliferation online and more victims of such abuse.
“It is important that Purcell is given appropriate treatment to lessen the risk of him offending again.”

Any young person can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk. Any adult can contact the NSPCC Helpline 0808 800 5000 or nspcc.org.uk. Both are free, confidential, and open 24/7.