A WESTBURY man who had over 170 indecent images and movies of children on his computer has been given a community order after pleading guilty in court.

Richard Biggs, 39, of Palomino Place pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children, one count of possession of indecent images of children and one count of voyeurism at a leisure centre when he appeared at Salisbury Crown Court on Thursday (December 7).

The community order he was issued also includes a rehabilitation activity requirement and sex offender treatment programme, meaning he will be monitored by the national probation service for three years as well as undergoing intensive community work.

If he fails to comply with the order, he will be taken back to court and his behaviour will be reviewed.

A sexual harm prevention oder was also put in place for ten years, preventing Biggs from attending leisure centres without supervision and entering public parks or recreational spaces where there are children under the age of 16.

In interview, Biggs admitted to filming three boys under the age of 12 getting dressed in public changing rooms.

More searches of his computers revealed more than 170 images and movies of children, 42 of which were graded as Category A, the most severe images of child sexual abuse.

PC Melonie Neal said: “Biggs’ actions have had a really profound effect on his young victims and their families - this was a gross invasion of their privacy.

“Some of the images found on Biggs’ computer were classed as Category A – some of the most severe images of child abuse. Individuals like Biggs who make and possess indecent images or videos of children fuel a demand for more content of this nature.

“We are totally committed to tackling this type of crime and where appropriate will work with partner agencies to ensure offenders are caught and brought to justice.”