A churchgoer who admitted downloading child pornography has escaped jail.

Alan Lowther, 54, of Pretoria Road, Patchway, Bristol, was given a three year community rehabilitation order.

Lowther pleaded guilty to 10 counts of making indecent photographs of children after 51 images were found on his laptop computer.

North Avon magistrates heard how he subscribed to a pornography website after experiencing sexual problems, and was identified through his credit card.

The court heard how the photographs found by police included those of young children having sex with adults.

Lowther claimed he never set out to find child pornography, felt "ashamed and disgusted" by what he saw and considered getting rid of his computer "to avoid temptation".

Magistrates ordered Lowther to remain on the sex offenders' register for five years, and to pay court costs of £55.