A FLINTSHIRE man has avoided jail after police found indecent images on his phone.

Philip Williams, aged 33 and of Darwen Drive in Penymynydd, appeared at Mold Crown Court for sentencing on Thursday.

He had previously been convicted for three offences of making indecent images of children and one of possessing extreme pornography.

Anna Price, prosecuting, told the court that on the morning of August 25 this year police executed a warrant at Williams’ address.

He handed over his mobile phone and a tablet to officers and gave them his password.

When interviewed he told police he used an app to contact females under the age of 18.

A number of indecent images of children were found on the device - nine at category A., 10 at category B and 59 at category C.

The children depicted were predominantly aged between eight and 14.

Police also found five extreme pornographic images.

When re-interviewed, he told police he was solely responsible for the images on the phone, he had stopped viewing them prior to the arrest and had sought help for his issues.

Patrick Geddes, defending, said a repeat of the behaviour was not probable and reiterated Williams had sought help to address his behaviour.

Judge Niclas Parry told him: “Everyone who knows you and has taken the trouble to speak on your behalf realises how out of character you have behaved.

“Only you will ever know why you went down that route.

“The reality is that these young children who suffer what has been viewed continue to suffer.

“I accept you’re remorseful and a man of good character.

“You’re addressing the issues and have the support of your family.”

Judge Niclas Parry handed him a custodial sentence of six months, but suspended it for a year.

Williams must complete 45 rehabilitation activity requirement days, as well as a 45 day programme requirement.

He must also pay a surcharge of £115 and has been made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order for seven years.