A GREAT-GRANDAD of five has been spared jail after admitting possession of almost 2,000 indecent images of children.

Former soldier Bryan Young was given a four month sentence, suspended for 18 months, after appearing at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday. (AUG 4)

The 79-year-old, of Kentiswork Road, Marnhull, Sturminster Newton, had already admitted making indecent images at his home address between February 2013 and April 2016.

At an earlier hearing Young, of previous good character, had pleaded guilty to making 29 category A images, 166 category B images and 1,712 category C images. The pensioner also admitted to being in possession of a prohibited image of a child.

The court heard how Young had taken his laptop to a computer shop for repair in April last year. The following day a technician discovered an image of a naked girl, aged around 10 years old. Further examination uncovered a file titled 'Sonia M' which contained more images of young, naked girls - some dressed in bondage wear.

After the police were informed they raided Young's address.

Stuart Ellacott, prosecuting, explained that when police officers commented that their presence must have been a shock to him, Young directed them to another computer in his home and said "I was feeling guilty, I was going to delete them this week - that is the truth."

Officers ceased the computer and a number of DVDs also containing indecent images of children.

The court was told the images were mainly young girls aged between six and 12.

Defending, Rob Griffiths, said: "He is clearly not a sophisticated offender, he is someone who acted in a foolish way.

"His fall from grace is quite spectacular."

Sentencing Young, Judge Peter Johnson said: "It is clear you had a sexual interest in young children."

Young was also put on the sexual offenders register and ordered to sign a sexual prevention order, effectively limiting his computer usage for seven years.