Liam Davey 28

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A SOUTHAMPTON paedophile was caught twice with indecent images of children as young as six.

Liam Davey, 27, had more than 70 images after police seized his devices on two separate occasions, a court was told.

He was first arrested in January 2021 when police visiting his home in Meggeson Avenue found 31 category A images - the most severe kind - 15 category B and 10 category C.

But after being arrested, charged and appearing in court, he was found with more images when police visited him in May this year.

Prosecuting, Keeley Harvey said Davey took officers to another property where more images were found.

He was further charged with possession of 10 category A images, including four movies, three category B, and eight category C.

Of these, 10 or 12 had been saved with some depicting children as young as six or seven.

Ms Harvey added that Davey would not save the images of children that age, but that “those over the age of 12 were, in his view, okay because they were experimenting with their body”.

The court was also told how he had been “distributing and sharing” images which showed children in “pain and distress”.

Davey pleaded guilty to six counts of making indecent images of children which he said came from a website where others had shared them with him.

Mitigating, Bridget O’Hagen told Southampton Crown Court that Davey is a “young man who has never had police involvement at all”.

She added that his actions could have stemmed from a childhood incident, currently under investigation by police.

Ms O’Hagen said there are also plans to go to his GP due to suspicions he may have autism.

“He is unlikely to come back before the court in any way shape or form going forward.

“There is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.”

Davey was sentenced to 16 months imprisonment suspended for two years and made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order for five years.

He must attend 35 rehabilitation activity requirement days, carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and register as a sex offender.

Judge, Nicholas Rowland, said the second set of offences had been committed whilst “under investigation and potentially on court bail as well”.

He added that it is because of people like Davey that “those children around the world are repeatedly abused in this dreadful fashion.

“It is a very thinly balanced decision. Just and it is only just, am I able to suspend the sentence.”