A MAN who admitted distributing indecent images of children has been sentenced to three years in prison.

Peter Minchin, of Bournemouth Road in Blandford, was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court.

The 41-year-old had already admitted making indecent images of children, between December 2014 and August 2016.

Rob Griffiths, prosecuting, told the court police were informed about Minchin after it was reported he had uploaded indecent images via twitter.

When a tablet, belonging to Minchin, was later examined, more than 600 files he had shared of child images, to dozens of others, were discovered.

The court also heard how Minchin had previous convictions for making indecent photos of children and for attempted grooming, dating back to 2010, in Manchester.

Minchin's defence barrister Nick Robinson, who argued against a custodial sentence in favour of rehabilitation on the Thames Valley sex offenders programme, said: "He is ashamed of himself. He understands what he does causes harm to these children.

"This defendant is rare in his honesty. He has admitted an attraction to 10-15 year old females. That is a rare admission.

"This defendant has reached the stage where he is being honest with himself.

"While his behaviour is wicked indeed, he is a man of some substance."

Sentencing Minchin to three years in prison, Judge Johnson said: "You know these images represent the abuse of young children.

"Your desire to view these images creates the market for them

"It is clear you were playing an active role in the distribution of these disgusting images."

Minchin was also told he'll be on the sex offenders register for life, and prohibited from accessing the internet through a sexual harm prevention order indefinitely.