A FATHER who lost three of his children in a house fire 12 years ago has been spared jail after admitting downloading indecent images.

Phillip Gallagher, of Hamilton Road in Boscombe, had a total of 63 images and movies involving children on a laptop seized by police on November 4 last year.

However, a judge at Bournemouth Crown Court handed the 56-year-old a community order after hearing of his tragic past.

Amanda, seven, Ashley, six, and Alesha, 22 months, were killed when a fire began at their home at Stone Gardens, Townsend.

Brother Adam, then four, was also inside the property at the time, but survived the blaze after he was rescued by firefighters.

Their mother, Tracy Lane, had left them alone in the house for around an hour to make a telephone call, during which time one of the children set fire to a duvet.

However, Ms Lane did not face charges after the Crown Prosecution Service said there was insufficient evidence to warrant legal proceedings.

Appearing before the court for sentence on Tuesday, Gallagher spoke quietly to confirm he was guilty of the eight charges against him.

The offences include the downloading of 11 category A images and a two-minute movie, 21 category B images and a 30-minute movie, and 29 category C images.

Mitigating, Robert Grey said his client – who “lives a lonely life” – was ashamed and had shown a “high degree” of remorse.

“He has suffered an extreme tragedy,” he said.

“He has not been in trouble since the fire. He has demonstrated insightful remorse and wants to address his offending behaviour.”

Judge Jonathan Fuller called the case “unusual” because of Gallagher’s background and mental health issues.

“More recent tragic events allow me to take the exceptional course recommended by your pre-sentence report,” he said.

The defendant, who works part-time as a cleaner, will serve a three-year community order with a supervision requirement.

He will also be subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order, and participate in a work programme to address his offending.