CUSTOMER services worker Julian Clark downloaded pictures of naked children from the internet because he was fascinated with their bodies, a court heard.

Clark, 38, admitted six charges of producing indecent photo-graphs, contrary to the Protection of Children Act.

Swindon magistrates yesterday heard he downloaded the pictures using his computer at his home in Kent Road, Old Town.

Adjourning the case until August 9 for a pre-sentence report, chairwoman of the bench Mrs Malathy Sitaram told him: "Custody is a possible option."

Prosecuting, Simon Brenchley said the photos were found after a joint operation between police and customs and excise officers.

"A package had been intercepted destined for his house," he said. "It was a naturist video, and showed images of naked children."

Mr Brenchley said when investigators called at Clark's home, he showed them to his bedroom where there were naturist videos and photographic books.

He said that indecent images which had been downloaded from the internet were also found.

"The defendant fully admitted he had printed off the photographs from the internet using his own computer," said Mr Brenchley.

"He said he had a fascination with the child's form, had problems associating with the opposite sex, and had never had a girlfriend. He was aware the photographs were illegal."

In mitigation, Hugh Norman said his client did not gain from or distribute the pictures, and had no previous convictions.

He added the images were not stored and he was in full-time employment.

After the hearing, Danny Cox, of Swindon's Child Protection Unit, said: "There were indecent pictures of children, some performing sexual acts.

"Mr Clark is a loner who has co-operated with police throughout the enquiry.

"He felt the naturist material was legal but did realise other material was illegal."

It is believed that intelligence passed to police regarding improper material led to the successful operation.