A child porn pervert has been the subject of “ridicule and vilification” after people learned of his criminal behaviour, a court heard.

Neil Maughan, 54, was sentenced by a judge having pleaded guilty last month to downloading still and moving images of youngsters.

Maughan’s crimes came to light after police seized computer equipment from his home in Cumrew.

Among the illegal material were pictures and movies classed in category A, the most serious.

Maughan went on to admit six counts of making indecent photographs of a child, and also three offences of possessing an extreme pornographic image.

Prosecutor Tim Evans told the sentencing hearing at Carlisle Crown Court that police executed a search warrant in May last year.

“The defendant was arrested on suspicion of making – in effect downloading – illegal images of children. The computer equipment that he had was seized,” he said.

This comprised a laptop, a memory card, a hard drive and a computer tower. Some 56 illegal still images and one movie featuring children were found, along with scores of extreme pornographic pictures.

Analysis of the computer revealed that material had been deleted, while search terms and “unpleasant” Skype conversations were recovered. There had also been some “cataloguing” of images.

Nicholas Cartmell, defending, said Maughan lived in a small and rural community.

“He has been the subject of ridicule and vilification, particularly in view of the content of the extreme pornography that he has come to be sentenced for,” said Mr Cartmell.

“The guilty plea is an acknowledgement and acceptance, an expression of his contrition and regret.

“He has himself sought and paid for self-referral to a sexual psychologist.”

Mr Cartmell added: “There is every reason to hope and expect that he will not trouble the courts again.”

Judge Barbara Forrester also considered a number of testimonials – one written Maughan’s father and another provided by a GP.

As she passed sentence, Judge Forrester told Maughan: “I think it is in the best interest of the community you undertake work with the probation service – and no doubt in your best interests as well.”

A 20-day rehabilitation requirement was imposed, along with 150 hours’ unpaid work. Maughan must comply with the terms of a 10-year sexual harm prevention order for 10 years, and sign the sex offenders’ register for the same length of time.