Peter Phillips-Jones, a veterinary technician from Romsey, was sentenced to a 24-month community order for possessing 2,820 indecent images of children.

The images, which included photos and videos ranging from category A (the most serious) to category C, were found on Phillips-Jones' electronic devices.

Prosecutor Puneet Grewal revealed that Phillips-Jones used a website called TalkwithStranger to receive, download, and share the images with other users. However, he denied engaging in conversations about child abuse.

Police visited Phillips-Jones' home on May 31, 2022, after receiving information suggesting he was uploading indecent images to the internet. He admitted to possessing the images.

In Southampton Crown Court, Phillips-Jones pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children, covering the period between 2016 and 2020. He wept in the dock and expressed remorse for his actions.

When asked by Judge Gary Burrell QC why he viewed the images, Phillips-Jones stated that he was lonely and seeking entertainment. He claimed to be "not very computer literate" and suggested that some of the files may have been duplicates.

He further claimed that "intrigue" motivated him to look at the photos but denied being sexually attracted to children. He insisted that he did not view the images consistently or regularly.

Judge Burrell sentenced Phillips-Jones to a 24-month community order, including up to 40 rehabilitation activity days. He was also ordered to register as a sex offender for five years.