A PADGATE man was caught with more than 800 indecent images and videos of children by an online force that hunts for paedophiles on the internet.

The computer of Brendan Bennett, of Duxford Court, Padgate, was targeted by the online children protection centre with information given to Cheshire Police.

Warrington Crown Court heard on Friday how the 42-year-old also used file sharing software to allow others to access the child abuse images.

James Coutts, prosecuting, said: "The IP address was linked to the defendant's home address and on April 15 officers executed a search warrant.

"Officers seized a computer and hard drive from his property."

The court heard 12 of the videos were of the most serious category.

There was also one video of extreme pornography involving animals, while search terms had been used to look for illegal material over eight years.

Mr Coutts said during a police interview Bennett denied any sexual interest in children, claiming he had searched for adult pornography.

However, when confronted with the search terms, he admitted the offences and told police he was 'glad' to be arrested.

"It's very clear this man has an unhealthy interest in children," added Mr Coutts.

"He has watched images of children in the very recent past."

On December 16, Bennett pleaded guilty to one count of possessing indecent photos, four counts of making indecent photos, and one count of possessing extreme pornography.

He has no previous convictions.

John Banasko, defending, said: "The defendant needs punishing but by the same token, he needs rehabilitating.

"This offensive behaviour needs addressing."

Judge Nicholas Woodward sentenced Bennett to two years in prison, suspended for two years, two years supervision and a sex offender's programme.