A Royton man used his knowledge as a computer repair technician to download images of children being sexually abused, a court has heard.

Kevin Lane of Wendlebury Green pleaded guilty to making indecent photographs of a child and downloading images of children over several years.

The 53-year-old appeared at Minshull Street Crown Court on Thursday (August 4), where he was sentenced to 21 months imprisonment suspended for 24 months, placed on the sex offender register for 10 years and subjected to a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO) for 10 years.

Lane was also given a 40-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

An internal inquiry by Lane’s employers is meanwhile set for next week and will result in his dismissal.

In mitigation, defence barrister Richard Orme said Lane had no previous convictions and had “taken full responsibility for his actions” and expressed “genuine remorse”.

Mr Orme also called on Judge Hilary Manley to consider the effect of Lane’s incarceration on his son who has severe medical issues.

Judge Manley acknowledged Mr Orme’s points in mitigation and discussed the sentencing guidelines with prosecutor John Kennerly.

Turning to Lane, Judge Manley said: “Over several years you downloaded images of children being sexually abused.

“Some of those images were of very young children. As a result of your work as a computer repair man you knew exactly what you were doing and the steps to take to cover your tracks.”

She added: “Having been caught you lied and lied again. You couldn’t bring yourself to own up to what you did and then finally pleaded guilty at trial before being convicted by a jury.”

Judge Manley however said she accepted Lane had “expressed remorse, all be it late in the day” and acknowledged he had no previous convictions.

Addressing Lane while passing sentence, Judge Manley said: “If you fail in any way to adhere to what the probation service set out for you to do over the next two years you will be back before me and regardless of the effect on your son, I will have no choice but to act on the suspended sentence.”