A MAN was arrested after showing indecent images of children to a relationship counsellor.

Matthew Wilman of The Leys, Cradley pleaded guilty to one count of possessing an extreme pornographic image, which involved a horse, and three offences of distributing an indecent photo of a child.

The 41-year-old was sentenced at Hereford Crown Court last week.

Jason Aris, prosecuting, said the defendant came to the attention of the police due to an appointment in Wolverhampton with relationship counsellor Dawn Wilson.

The court heard on March 16, 2017 the defendant told Miss Wilson he had difficulty forming relationships with women.

Mr Aris said: "He had actually gone to Relate in Worcester but they were unable to help him. Other members in the group had become aggressive towards him at the appointment. The reason why they were aggressive is because he had expressed certain views about paedophiles.

"He thought they should not be sent to to prison and society is wrong and that paedophilia should be accepted as a sexual preference."

Wilman took a folder to his appointment with Miss Wilson and showed her photos inside which included extreme pornographic photos and indecent photos of children.

Mr Aris said: "He said it was quite normal."

Wilman was arrested at home on March 25 and a search discovered the folder with the images inside.

Mr Aris said: "He confirmed the folder was as a result of a project he had been working on for two years."

Judge Daniel Pearce-Higgins QC said the distribution was not the "normal distribution" where Wilman shared the images with others on the internet.

He said: "Innocently, he thought, he showed someone for help and ends up here."

Edmund Middleton, defending, said: "It is distribution of a very different character" adding "it is a million miles away from sharing images with like-minded individuals."

The court heard Wilman had a long-standing psychiatric condition, which he is being treated for.

Mr Pearce-Higgins said: "This is not a case where custody would, in any way, assist the offender or prevent the recommission of further offences.

"This man needs assistance and guidance rather than anything else."

Wilman was given a three year community order, with 40 days of rehabilitation activity requirement days and he must participate in a sex offenders group programme.

He was also put on the sex offenders register for seven years.

The judge made a Sexual Harm Prevention Order to run for ten years, which includes the prohibition of using any computer or device with access to the internet, unless he notifies the police within three days.