A 71-YEAR-OLD pervert caught with hundreds of indecent images of children, having uploaded banned images online has been spared jail.

David Kerry, of Lambs Crescent, Banbury, had already admitted three counts of distributing indecent images, three of possession to show indecent images and one of possessing extreme pornography.

Oxford Crown Court heard at his sentencing today how Kerry had been given a Samsung Galaxy mobile phone so he could keep in touch with his family.

Instead he went on to use the phone, the court heard, to access hundreds of indecent images of children as well as send a number of images to a person claiming to be a 66-year old woman called 'Angel'.

When officers seized his phone they discovered he had 213 images in the most severe category, A, as well as 41 in category B and 11 in category C.

He also had 124 images of extreme pornography and uploaded a total of seven indecent images online. All of the offences were carried out between February 28 last year and January 24 this year.

When Kerry was interviewed by police he went on to admit having the indecent images and the court heard he was motivated by a sexual interest in children.

In mitigation, Jane Brady said that her client was 'remorseful' at what he had done and had acknowledged his offending.

Sentencing, Judge Ian Pringle QC said that ordinarily distributing indecent images carried a jail term of at least two years but that Kerry could be better rehabilitated back in the community.

Kerry was made subject to a community order for 36 months to include 25 days rehabilitation activity requirement and participation in the Horizon programme. He must also carry out 80 hours unpaid work.