Gosport man caught with more than 1,200 child abuse images

David Wilcock, of Fraser Road, Gosport, appeared at Portsmouth Crown Court yesterday.

The 31-year-old admitted six charges relating to child abuse images and is set to be sentenced later this month.

He admitted three charges of distributing images between October 12, 2016, and November 6, 2017.

The charges related to 12 category A images, nine category B and five rated at C.

Police categorise the images seized from devices, with A the most severe.

Wilcock also admitted three charges of making indecent images between the same time period.

Experts uncovered 106 still images and six videos at category A, 1,246 still images and one video at category B and 160 still with six videos rated at C.

Judge David Melville adjourned the case for sentencing on January 31.

Daniel Reilly, for Wilcock, said a basis of plea will be entered about the distribution offences. Before sentencing forensic examiners will establish whether or not the images were actively shared.

Wilcock was released on unconditional bail until the sentencing hearing at the same court.

National charity the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, which works with sex offenders, said: '˜If you are concerned about what you are looking at online, or the online behaviour of someone you know, you can call the confidential and anonymous Stop It Now helpline on 0808 1000 900 for advice, support and help to stop.

'˜Or visit stopitnow.org.uk to find out more.'