A MAN has avoided an immediate prison sentence for possessing more than 1,000 indecent mages of children.

Phillp Holt, 60 and of Wimborne Road, Bournemouth, was charged with three counts of making indecent photographs of children between May 1, 2019, and June 17, 2020.

Holt pleaded guilty to the three offences at a Poole Magistrates’ Court hearing on May 6.

Court papers stated that he had 46 category A images, the most serious, 59 category B images and 916 category C images.

Magistrates committed the defendant to prison for 24 weeks, suspended for two years. This order included a requirement to take part in a 50-day accredited sex offender programme and carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.

Holt was placed on the sex offenders register for seven years and made subject to a sexual harm prevention order for the same period.

He was ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £128 surcharge.

If you are interested in court and crime news, stay up to date with all our latest updates in our dedicated Facebook group. To find out more and to join click here.