A Wiltshire man has pleaded guilty to possessing hundreds of indecent images of children.

Elliott Melbourne, 30, of Downham Mead, Chippenham, appeared at Swindon Magistrates' Court on November 26.

He pleaded guilty to making three category A images of a child, four category B images, and four category C images of a child, as well as possessing 807 prohibited images of a child and possessing 865 extreme pornographic images, including grossly offensive images involving a dog.

Mr Power, prosecuting, explained these offences took place from June 3, 2022 to May 4, 2023, but no details about how Melbourne had been found in possession of these images was heard in court.

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Meanwhile, Mr Brooker, defending, said Melbourne had admitted the charges during two police interviews and was previously a “man of good character.”

However, the bench at Swindon Magistrates' Court concluded the offences were outside their sentencing powers and declined jurisdiction.

Melbourne will be sentenced at Swindon Crown Court on January 3, 2025.

He will remanded on unconditional bail pending sentencing but must register at Gablecross Police Station within three days and must also co-operate with the probation service to ensure a pre-sentencing report can be written.