A Weaverham man caught with child sexual abuse images in all three categories has avoided immediate prison after admitting four offences.

Robert Dickens, 67, received an eight-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months at Chester Magistrates’ Court on Monday, October 5th

He had pleaded guilty to one count of possessing indecent images of children and three counts of making indecent images of children.

The offences covered Category A, B and C material — including the most serious category.

Despite the seriousness of the offending, Dickens will serve his sentence in the community unless the suspended term is activated.

District Judge Ian Barnes also imposed up to 200 hours of unpaid work. Dickens will be subject to sex offender register requirements for ten years.