Paedophile, 35, avoids jail after pleading guilty to downloading indecent images of children as young as two
A loner who downloaded indecent images of children as young as two has been spared jail.
Adam Vamplew, of Monks Leys Terrace, Lincoln, admitted to possessing, downloading and distributing indecent images of children at Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday.
The 35-year-old was found with category A videos — the most explicit sexual images of children, which included that of a penetrative nature — at a Newark address.
Jon Fountain, prosecuting, said on May 19 of last year, police discovered a computer IP address linked to Vamplew had been used to upload indecent images and videos of children to the social media app Kik.
"When they entered his home address in Newark, Mr Vamplew handed over a mobile phone and computer tower bearing indecent images," he said.
At the time of discovery, the court heard, the defendant had 75 category A, 35 category B, and eight category C images and videos.
Mr Fountain said on further investigation, more indecent material of children was discovered.
These included 671 category A, 395 category B and 2,145 category C stills and videos.
Andrew Wesley, defending, said his client knew what he was doing was wrong, but struggled to extract himself from the cycle he was in.
He said: "After the breakdown of Mr Vamplew's marriage he began using these images more. The sad fact is, this made him feel part of a peer group.
"He continues to work, live in shared accommodation, and has taken steps to meet proper friends rather than online."
Vamplew was charged with downloading category A, B and C stills and video.
He was also charged with possessing indecent images of children and distributing category C stills and videos.
Mr Wesley said: "Since then, he has undertaken treatment, attended every session of work and is engaging well in a group therapy programme and trying not to repeat the same behaviours.
"He has tried to make good of the problems he created and is at very low risk of offending in the future."
Judge Jeremy Lea, sentenced Vamplew to 12 months in jail, suspended for two years.
"What persuades me to suspend that sentence are the efforts you made to try and get some help and assistance in breaking those habits of viewing indecent images," he said.
"You will go to prison if you breach the order."
Vamplew will be subject to a 10 year Sexual Harm Prevention Order, restricting his use of the internet, and will also have to sign the sex offenders' register.
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