A PERVERT who was found with seven months worth of child pornography when police raided his bedroom at his parents’ house has been spared jail because it was his first offence.

Police attended Martin Power’s parents’ address in Marlborough Road, Salisbury, on June 7, after receiving intelligence about his internet history.

The 24-year-old was at work at his job in a pet shop, but officers seized a laptop, iPad and tablet from his bedroom, before returning two days later to arrest him.

In interview Power confirmed the devices were his, but denied having any knowledge of illegal material.

Winchester Crown Court heard today (Thursday) that 51 category A indecent images of children (the most serious) were found on Power’s devices, as well as 61 pictures and two films in category B and 125 images and three films from category C.

Judge Keith Cutler said: “This is fantastically embarrassing for him, that all these years of him looking at worse and worse pornography has come to light.”

And he said Power would likely have been accessing the images for about seven months before being caught.

A pre-sentence report by the probation service said Power would need to spend “sufficient time [with a probation worker] to address his proclivities and ensure that he is not a risk to children”.

Power admitted three counts of making (possessing) indecent images of children at Salisbury magistrates’ court last month.

The offences carry a potential jail term, but Judge Cutler said he thought Power would be suitable for rehabilitation in the community as he is employed and has previous good character, adding: "I would hope that he can carry on in his job and in his community."

He sentenced Power to a two-year community order, during which Power must complete a sex offenders rehabilitation course and sign the sex offenders register.

Judge Cutler said: “It’s quite clear from reading the report that this has been a problem that you have had for some time.

“I am pleased to see you understand you need help for that, because you realised that each person depicted in that schedule of images are very much victims.

“You are only 24, you have got a future ahead of you. Please do not mess it up again - learn from this experience.

“Please do not let me down.”