A MAN caught sharing indecent images of children tried to blame one of his neighbours when he was quizzed by police.

Dale Williams had dozens of indecent films and pictures on his computer when officers did a search of his electronic devices.

But during his police interview, the 47-year-old said his computer had been serviced by his neighbour, who he claimed also had access to his wifi.

Officers also quizzed his neighbour, but Williams, of Brooks Close, Ringwood, later confessed to his crimes.

Williams was given a suspended sentence after appearing at Southampton Crown Court.

The court was told that when police searched his device they found more than 20 moving images and 16 still images.

They also found peer-to-peer file sharing software, which allows users to access media files such as music and movies from other connected computers on the network.

Police found Williams had used the software to obtain the images, which were then shared back out to other network users – classed in UK law as a form of distribution.

Prosecutor Nicholas Hall said Williams at first attempted to blame the pictures on his neighbour.

But he later pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images, category A to C, and one count of distribution.

Police subsequently dropped their investigation into Williams' neighbour, who was not named in court.

Mitigating for Williams, Peter Woodall said his client suffered from depression and described him as “socially inadequate”.

He said Williams was “isolated in his property and detached from the world”.

He said he had shown “genuine remorse”.

Judge Peter Henry sentenced Williams to an 18 month sentence, which he suspended for two years.

Williams was also made subject of a curfew between 6pm and 6am each night.

He will also be the subject of a sexual harm prevention order and will be on the sex offenders' register, both for 10 years.