A PAEDOPHILE has escaped going straight to prison after he was caught with nearly 700 child abuse images.

Gilbert Antony, 52, from Caerphilly Road, Newport, was jailed for six months, suspended for two years, after he admitted a number of offences.

He pleaded guilty to distributing category B and C indecent images, possession of a category C indecent images and possession of a prohibited image of a child.

The offences were committed between May 25, 2020 and June 26, 2022, Newport Magistrates’ Court was told.

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Antony was ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work, complete a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement and pay £241 in costs and a surcharge.

The defendant was ordered to register as a sex offender for 10 years and made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order for the same period.