A MAN has admitted distributing indecent images of children and attempting to engage children in sexual activity in Chester.

Thomas James Marriott, 24, of Arundel Street, Hulme, Manchester, pleaded guilty to a total of 10 charges when he appeared at Chester Magistrates Court on Friday, April 22.

The offences took place between 2012 and 2019.

He admitted that, between March 2012 and April 2019, he made 29 indecent images. Of those, three were assessed as being 'category A' images, the most serious category of indecent image, with four category B images and 22 category C images.

He also admitted distributing seven category A images, four category B images and 16 category C images.

He also admitted that, in March 2019, he intentionally attempted to cause a child aged 15 to look at an image of a person engaging in sexual activity. On the same date, he admitted intentionally attempting to cause or incite a boy aged 15, to engage in sexual activity.

He also pleaded guilty to intentionally attempting to communicate sexually with a person under 16.

Defending, Richard Davies said Marriott had been on bail for three years since making admissions to the offences in April 2019.

He requested a pre-sentence report for Marriott.

Magistrates agreed the case was too serious for them to sentence and the case was adjourned to Chester Crown Court for May 20.

Marriott was bailed, subject to a number of conditions restricting his internet usage. He was also made subject to the notification requirements with police.