A MAN who was found with 20 indecent images of children on his home computer wept in court as he was given a six-month suspended prison sentence.

Andrew Morris, 47, of Bridge Garth, South Milford, was told he had brought shame on himself and his family after admitting 20 counts of making indecent images of children and one count of possessing an image.

The sentencing at York Crown Court on Monday came after a police raid on Morris’s former Tadcaster home last year from which officers took away computer equipment containing the images.

The court was told Morris also admitted to contacting others “with similar interests”.

Judge Jim Spencer QC heard how the 20 images ranged in seriousness under the Protection of Children Act from level one to level four – one below the highest grade of level five. The haul also included a video recording at level four.

In mitigation, defence barrister Taryn Turner, said: “It hardly needs to be said but this case has had a dramatic impact on the defendant and his family. Since his arrest his life has been Hell.”

She said Morris had been forced to leave the family home after his wife had told him “divorce was inevitable”.

Miss Turner also said Morris had a responsible job with a national company and had expressed his full remorse over his actions.

Passing sentence, Judge Spencer, said: “Your participation in this wicked trade brings the victims in to great danger wherever they are.

“Otherwise, you are a respectable man with the support of your family and friends.”

He said Morris was a hard working man and that his shame would be his biggest punishment.