A MAN has avoided jail despite being found in possession of pictures of child abuse.

Jacob Snelson, of Pear Tree Drive, Wincham, appeared at Chester Magistrates Court on Friday, October 13, to be sentenced on four indecent images charges.

Two of the charges relate to the 25-year-old 'making' (which can include downloading) and possessing category A indecent images of children - the most serious - between December 31, 2020, and April 14, 2022.

The remaining two charges are for 'making' category B and C images of children over the same time frame.

Snelson had admitted to all four charges at a previous hearing on September 8.

Taking into account his guilty pleas, magistrates sentenced him to a total of eight months in prison, but suspended the term for two years.

The court heard the reason for a custodial sentence was the fact Snelson was in possession of images 'depicting child abuse contributing to the victimisation of vulnerable children'.

But the court was also told the sentence could be suspended due to the defendant having a likely prospect of rehabilitation by 'continuing to work openly with the Probation Service to address sexual needs and addiction issues'. 

On top of the suspended sentence, the bench ordered Snelson to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and complete up to a maximum of 60 days rehabilitation activity.

An order was also made to deprive the defendant of the electronic items the indecent images were discovered on, including phones, laptops, PCs and tablets.

In addition, Snelson was made the subject of a five-year sexual harm prevention order banning him from using a device capable of accessing the internet, except in certain circumstances.

He must also report to and register with Warrington police for seven years.