A SICK pervert who downloaded "vile" indecent photographs and films involving children as young as six has avoided spending time behind bars.

"These images show young children involved in sexual activity," Judge Amjad Nawaz told 53-year-old Simon Aldridge from Dudley.

"I cannot see what pleasure anyone gets from seeing others suffer."

He added: "If people like you did not download images like this then those people who make the vile images would not be able to operate."

The judge said Aldridge, a man of previous good character, had taken steps to try and cover his tracks by hiding the images but ruled he was able to spare him immediate custody for his offending.

Aldridge, of Clent Court, Village Prospect, admitted two charges of making indecent images and he was given a six month jail term, suspended for two years.

He was also made the subject of a 10 year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and told by the judge he must register as a sex offender for 10 years.

Phillip Beardwell, prosecuting, said police officers went to Aldridge's home after receiving information and seized his computer equipment.

Analysis showed he had downloaded three films in category A - the worst - together with around 500 stills showing young children engaged in sexual activity.

When questioned Aldridge told the officers he had started by looking at adult pornography and he moved on stressing that he knew he was "doing wrong".

Glenn Cook, defending, told Wolverhampton Crown Court that Aldridge was full of remorse for his actions and he wanted to "understand where his offending behaviour had come from".

The offences extended from his interest in adult pornography, said Mr Cook and he accepted he needed assistance to address his behaviour.