An Ellesmere Port man who took an indecent video of a child has been spared prison.

Liam Allen, 25, of Sutton Way, had previously pleaded guilty to a number of indecent images offences when he appeared in court.

Appearing at Chester Crown Court for sentencing on Tuesday, July 16, Allen was handed a 12-month prison term, suspended for two years.

The court heard that, between September 2013 and January 2023, Allen had obtained a total of 190 indecent photos of children on a number of devices.

Of these, 92 were assessed as category A - the most serious category - with 15 assessed as category B and 82 as category C.

In addition, Allen had taken a category C indecent video of a child.

The court heard Allen had also distributed a category C indecent image of a child.

Also found in Allen's possession were 219 prohibited images of children and an extreme pornographic video.

As part of the suspended sentence, Allen must complete up to 15 days of a rehabilitation activity requirement, plus the Horizon sex offenders programme, as well as 120 hours unpaid work.

He was handed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order limiting his internet usage and preventing him from contact with children aged under 16, and must sign the sex offenders register for 10 years.

The devices seized - two iPhones, an iPad, a laptop and a memory stick - were to be deprived, and Allen must pay a £156 surcharge.