A Sunderland man has been spared jail despite possessing over 2,000 child abuse images.

Alan Passmore, 50, was found with the sickening collection of images and videos on his laptop and computer tower during a police search of his home in March 2020.

The images, which featured children as young as five, were categorized as "indecent" and some depicted children in distress.

Passmore, who had no prior criminal record, admitted to possessing a total of 2,253 indecent images of children, spanning all three categories of severity.

He also pleaded guilty to possessing 21 images and videos featuring extreme pornography, as well as two prohibited images of children.

Newcastle Crown Court heard that over 300,000 other images found on his devices were not examined.

During the sentencing, Passmore's lawyer, Brian Hegarty, stated that his client had been viewing this type of material for years and acknowledged it was a "long established and unattractive habit." He argued that the police raid was a "jolt" that Passmore needed to break his pattern.

The court also heard that Passmore's home had become a target of harassment following the news of his offenses, resulting in his windows being smashed. He had been forced to relocate and lost his job of 30 years.

Judge Stephen Earl sentenced Passmore to two years imprisonment, suspended for two years, with rehabilitation and program requirements, and a £200 cost. Passmore, now of no fixed address, must register as a sex offender and adhere to a sexual harm prevention order for ten years.

The judge emphasized the severe victimization endured by children featured in such images.

Detective Constable Stephen Gillibrand, who led the investigation, issued a stark warning to those who download and share illegal content, stating that police will take action.

"It is thanks to the vigilance of our officers that Passmore will be strictly monitored under court order. I hope this serves as a warning to others that downloading and sharing indecent material in any capacity is a crime and you cannot hide behind a screen or fake profile, we will still find you," said Gillibrand.