A man has been given a community order after more than 1000 indecent images and videos of children and animals were found on his computer equipment.

Leeds Crown Court heard West Yorkshire police officers went to the home of Gordon Crosfield in Market Place, Slaithwaite, in May last year after they received information an IP address was being used to download such images.

Stephanie Hancock prosecuting said computer equipment including laptops, memory cards and a mobile phone were seized.

When they were examined more than 1100 images and videos were recovered some involving children as young as four. There were 91 still images and 324 movies in Category A, the most serious, 120 still images and 162 movies at Category B and 445 still images and 65 movies at Category C.

Officers also found 30 extreme pornographic images involving animals. He claimed images involving young children had popped up when he was looking for older teenagers and denied getting any sexual gratification from them.

Mathew Harding representing Crosfield said he recognised the seriousness of his position and the probation service felt they could work with him.

He said Crosfield’s wife, who previously appeared at court in a wheelchair, was reliant on him and would suffer if he was jailed.

Crosfield, 60, admitted four charges of making indecent images and one of possessing extreme pornography. He was given a three year community order with 60 days activity requirement.

Judge James Spencer QC told him yesterday that would include attending an appropriate sex offender treatment programme. “I am told you have learnt the error of your ways.”