A CHESTER man found to have dozens of indecent images of children has been spared an immediate jail term.
Lewis McLean, 21, of Green Lane, Marlston-cum-Lache, had previously pleaded guilty to downloading the indecent images.
Appearing at Chester Crown Court on Friday, August 26, McLean was sentenced to a four-month prison term, suspended for two years.
The court heard McLean was in possession of three indecent images of children rated as 'category A' – the most serious category of indecent image.
He also had five indecent images at category B, and 72 assessed as category C.
He also had, in his possession, a prohibited image of a child.
The offences happened between May 2021 and January 2022, the court heard.
As part of his suspended sentence, McLean must carry out 60 hours unpaid work and complete up to 30 days of a rehabilitation activity requirement.
He was also handed a seven-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order which will monitor his internet usage, with the defendant prohibited from deleting or disguising his internet history in any way, and must make available any internet-enabled device to a police officer upon request.
He was also placed on the sex offenders register for seven years.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article