A CHAFFORD Hundred man who admitted making more than 60 indecent images and movies of children has been spared a jail sentence.

Anthony Masterton, 51, of Caravel Close, was handed a two-year community service order on Monday morning at Basildon Crown Court for five counts of making and possessing indecent images of children.

He had pleaded guilty to the offences on July 18 at Basildon Magistrates Court.

Masterton was found to have made 61 indecent images and movies of children, including 20 of the most serious category A, 29 in category B and 12 in the least serious category C.

He was also prosecuted for possession of one prohibited image and one extreme pornographic image which portrayed in an explicit and realistic way an act which resulted or was likely to result in serious injury.

He was sentenced to a two-year community service order on Monday morning at Basildon Crown Court.

Prosecutor Kresner said Masterton was of “previous good character”, which had affected their recommendation for sentencing, but asked the plaintiff pay court costs.

Crown Court Judge Samantha Leigh also gave Masterton 60 days’ rehabilitation and a five-year listing on the Sexual Offenders’ Register.

In sentencing, Judge Samantha Leigh said to Masterton: “You understand that even if you have not engaged in sexual activity with a child, a video of a little child being abused somewhere has been made and that child will know it’s available for the rest of their lives.

“It isn’t alright to just watch the abuse of children.

“I’m mindful that the number of images you have got is very low compared to the thousands of images this court often sees. Nevertheless, your offence is very serious.”

Masterton is also subject to a supervision requirement that involves attending regular appointments with a responsible officer.

Masterton was ordered to pay court costs of £150 and a £60 victim surcharge.