A MAN was caught with hundreds of indecent images and videos depicting children as young as four-years-old being abused by adults.

Simon Coleman initially lied to officers by claiming the scores of videos found on electronic gadgets were not his.

However, days later, the 41-year-old confessed to having downloaded the explicit material, as well as distributing two category A images and one category C.

Southampton Crown Court heard police searched Coleman’s home and seized communication devices, all of which have been forfeited and destroyed.

When Coleman’s devices were searched, in total 117 movies and 253 still category A images, 28 movies and 286 still category B images and six movies and 143 still category C images.

Also found were 15 extreme pornographic photographs of animals being abused by humans.

Prosecutor Jane Terry told the court: “When he was interviewed he made admissions to crimes that there was probably no evidence to prove.”

Coleman, who sat with his head in his hands throughout his hearing, was “deeply ashamed and embarrassed” by his offending, Gemma White, mitigating, said.

She added that since the incident, Coleman had sought help and advice to curb his offending, which was brought about by mental health issues, drugs and anxiety.

Judge Nicholas Rowland said the “disturbing” images had only been made due to people like Coleman who chose to watch them.

Coleman, of Lowry Gardens, Sholing, pleaded guilty to three counts of possessing indecent images, two counts of distributing category A and C images and possessing extreme pornographic images.

He was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, which includes the requirement to carry out 180 hours unpaid work and at least 50 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

He was made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order and notification requirements for 10 years.