A CHEPSTOW man who admitted possessing more than 3,000 indecent images of children, some as young as six, has avoided jail.

Lee Jones, aged 46, of Somerset Way, pleaded guilty to six counts of possession of indecent images of children at a Gwent Magistrates’ Court last month.

Cardiff Crown Court heard how an arrest warrant was issued by police for Jones on June 3 this year as part of Operation Notarise, which focuses on apprehending people who view child abuse online. Police found 3,029 still images and videos, some depicting the rape of girls between six and 13 years old at Jones’ home address.

Of those images, 29 were category A - or rape offences - 85 were category B, and 2,915 were category C. One video in category A was 18-and-a-half minutes long, the court heard.

Nicholas Gedge, prosecuting, said police seized Jones' laptop and found internet searches which included "child sex". The offences related to the dates between January 1, 2012, and May 3, 2014.

Mr Gedge said the "vast majority" of the images and videos were readily available to anyone who had access to Jones' laptop, and had not been deleted.

When interviewed by police, Jones admitted to the possession of the images but denied any sexual interest in them, Mr Gedge said.

Hilary Roberts, defending, said of his client: "He stands before the court in complete shame."

He added Jones had no previous convictions, had a long history of employment, but admitted "this is the one serious tarnish" on his character.

Mr Roberts said Jones, who was supported by a family member in court, had sought counselling by a GP and a psychiatrist on the issue, which demonstrated an "awareness that he has done wrong".

Judge Tom Crowther QC said it was "nonsense" for Jones to claim he had not had any sexual gratification from the images.

The judge added the sentencing guidelines available to him were not adequate and said the protection of the public was best served by lengthy supervision.

He sentenced Jones to a three-year community order and to undertake an internet sex offenders programme. He was also given a sexual offences prevention order "without the limit of time", Mr Crowther QC said.