A man accused of possessing in South Tyneside hundreds of indecent images of children has appeared in court.

A MAN ACCUSED OF POSSESSING IN SOUTH TYNESIDE HUNDREDS OF INDECENT IMAGES OF CHILDREN HAS APPEARED IN COURT.

In December 2022, police conducted a raid on Jason Holmes' residence and confiscated computer equipment that contained a total of 1,277 images, both still and moving, depicting children as young as four.

During court proceedings at Newcastle Crown Court, it was revealed that officers also discovered three images classified as extreme pornography, which depicted adults engaging in sexual acts with animals, on the confiscated devices.

Prosecutor Michael Bunch explained that among the images, 357 were categorized as Category A, indicating the most serious level, while 77 fell under Category B, and 843 were labeled Category C.

Addressing the court, Mr.

Bunch stated that the age range of the children in the images begins at four years old.

Jason Holmes, aged 37 and residing on Hunter Avenue in Blyth, Northumberland, pleaded guilty to three counts of producing indecent images of children and one count of possessing extreme pornography.

Judge Gavin Doig told Holmes, "The images, both moving and still, are of real children who have been subjected to abuse.

Your viewing of these images sustains and propagates this evil." Holmes received a sentence of 16 months in prison, suspended for two years, along with requirements for rehabilitation.

He is also required to register as a sex offender and must follow a sexual harm prevention order for a decade.

The court was informed that Holmes had no prior convictions, and the judge noted that he has a good chance of rehabilitation.

Defending Holmes, solicitor Andrew Walker stated that Holmes is employed, immediately took responsibility for his actions, and has begun seeking professional help.