A "hard-working" grandfather with a previously "impeccable character" who admitted to downloading sick images of children being sexually abused because he was "curious" has avoided jail.

Alan Crabtree, 72, was found to have saved 85 indecent images of children onto his two mobile phones - 13 of these were classed as category A, the worst severity.

The retired miner, who has lived in Salford all his life, said looking at the disturbing images became a "compulsion". He stated that he initially used social media to find the pictures out of curiosity.

His family, who described him as a "loving and supportive father", knew nothing of his shameful secret until police arrived at the family home and seized his personal devices.

At Manchester Crown Court, Crabtree pleaded guilty to three charges of making indecent photographs of children. However, he walked free with a 12-month community order after a judge expressed surprise at seeing a man of his character commit this type of crime.

The offenses, which occurred between April 2015 and December 2017, came to light when police received information from the National Crime Agency.

Prosecutor Juliet Berry said: "After receiving the information, police attended at his address on 8 December 2017 and executed a warrant. They seized two laptops and two mobile phones - one Acer phone and one Samsung phone. He was interviewed and admitted that the images could be found on the phones."

Crabtree's lawyer, Suzanne Hargreaves, told the sentencing hearing that her client was "deeply ashamed" of his actions. She stated that he had made full confessions to his family and had already taken steps towards rehabilitation.

"He was born and bred in Salford and is a hard-working man dedicated to his family," Ms. Hargreaves added. "He worked in the mines. He then took up any work that was available and worked his whole life until retirement. He and his wife are now retired. He is a carer for her."

Crabtree avoided a custodial sentence with the judge stating that his previously impeccable character meant he could be rehabilitated in the community.

Passing sentence, Recorder Geoffrey Lowe, said: "It's astonishing to see a man of your background in this situation. These are not victimless offenses. The children whose photos are taken are abused. Some of these images reflect the most serious sexual abuse of these children. You regarded this as something that started out as a curiosity then became a compulsion. You have shown remorse and sought to seek assistance. This is a blemish on an otherwise exemplary record. If these matters are addressed there is no reason why you cannot go back to being the hard-working and respectful man you were."

Crabtree was given a 12-month community order comprising 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days. He must register as a sex offender for five years. He was also subject to a sexual harm prevention order, which will restrict his internet access.