Doncaster man had over 800 'vile' porn images including horses, dogs and children

Police seized computer equipment from Steven Matthewson's home in Mansfield Road, Hexthorpe, on May 27, 2017, said prosecutor David Hall.

He said officers discovered 799 extreme pornographic images, involving horses and dogs, and 13 Category C pictures of children, the least extreme category, on a "large number" of hard drives.

"If all the images were viewed, it would take the authorities years," said Mr Hall.

On Wednesday, Sheffield Crown Court heard Matthewson, who has no previous relevant convictions, was cooperative with police.

Joy Merriam, mitigating, said: "He has recognised the harm such behaviour causes. He says - "I know it was wrong and I regret the whole thing."

"He fully accepts that he needs the help that would be available through the probation service."

Judge Graham Reeds QC told 63-year-old Matthewson: "I want you to understand why the courts treat these cases so seriously.

"They are images that exploit women," he said. "These women are exploited and coerced. You provide a market for such vile images."

But he said there was "sufficient prospect of rehabilitation" to step back from a 26-week prison sentence.

He imposed a three year community order with a sex offenders' treatment programme.

"For the next three years you will be monitored and if you do breach this order you will probably end up in prison," the judge told him.