Chelmsford Crown Court heard police searched Warburton’s address, in Vanessa Drive, Wivenhoe, on October 1, 2020.

They examined various computer devices and seized a PC confirmed to be used solely by him.

On this device, officers found four images at category A – the most serious level – and three at category B.

The court heard Warburton began watching adult pornography online, before developing a “morbid fascination” for extreme child pornography.

He admitted two counts of making indecent images of children during the trial.

Among videos found on his computer was one of a girl aged between six and eight-years-old being raped.

A video of a ten to 12-year-old girl inserting what appeared to be an electric toothbrush into her vagina was also found, as well as one of an eight to ten-year-old being sexually abused by a man.

Warburton admitted he had been looking at such material over a period of time and had routinely deleted them as he was going along, in an effort for it to stay under the radar.

The court heard, however, Warburton’s autism may have affected his viewing of the images and it was noted he was “extremely candid” when recounting what he had done throughout police interviews.

Warburton admitted two counts of making indecent images of children.

Recorder William Clegg QC said the category A images were “of the worst possible kind”.

In sentencing him he said: “I take into account your youth and hitherto good character and, in particular, your autism.

“However, I still think I must mark this offending by way of a prison sentence but I feel able to suspend it in your case.”

Warburton was sentenced to three months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, linked with a community order for the same period of time.

He must complete a 45 day rehabilitation activity requirement and will be the subject of a sexual harm prevention order for seven years.

He was also ordered to pay £745 in costs and surcharge.