A RYDE man caught with child abuse and bestiality images has been spared jail. 

Luke Targett, of George Street, appeared at the Isle of Wight Crown Court on Friday.

At a previous hearing on May 3, the 58-year-old admitted possession of extreme pornographic images, between March 17, 2019, and August 18, 2020.

He also admitted making an indecent photograph or pseudo-photograph of a child. 

The court heard Targett was caught with the images following an investigation by the Hampshire Child Abuse Team, who executed a warrant at his home address and seized his desktop computer and hard drive.

Targett told officers he had searched 'out of curiosity', and was disgusted by what he found, deleting the files.

He admitted downloading the images using peer to peer software, but denied having a sexual interest in children. 

Among the items examined, 126 were found to be moving images and 11 were stills.

The single indecent image of a child depicted a 12-year-old boy being raped. 

Oscar Vincent, defending, said Targett had been fully co-operative with police and provided access codes for all of his equipment.

He said Targett had been punished already, losing his employment and soon to lose his home. 

Mr Vincent said he showed genuine remorse, and the offences had impacted significantly on his family relationships.

The court heard Targett could be managed in the community, and had already taken steps to address his behaviour. 

Recorder, Malcolm Gibney, said Targett had an otherwise unblemished criminal record, and his behaviour appeared to arise from a period of madness. 

Targett was handed an eight-month prison term, suspended for two years, to include 35 rehabilitation days and 100 hours of unpaid work.

A sexual harm prevention order was made until further notice.