A MERSEYSIDE man who stored nearly 1,000 obscene images of children has walked free from court.
Paul McDonald, 52, was caught as part of a nationwide investigation when he shared an indecent photograph with an undercover officer.
Police were able to trace his computer and, on May 19, 2005, McDonald’s home in Formby was raided.
Liverpool Crown Court heard three computers were seized, as well as CDs and DVDs.
Helen Morris, prosecuting, said a total of 995 pornographic images and movies of youngsters were discovered.
They included 253 pictures at category four – the second most graphic level of abuse.
In interview, McDonald, of Alt Road, said morbid curiosity had led to him searching for the images, but admitted it had become an obsession.
However, judge John Roberts spared McDonald prison after learning of the efforts he had made to get help since his arrest.
Instead, he suspended a 12-month prison sentence for two years.
