A 61-year-old man who downloaded indecent images of children on a sheltered accommodation’s communal computer in front of other residents has been spared jail.

Ipswich magistrates sentenced Paul Wright, of Burke Road, Ipswich, to a six-month prison term, suspended for six months.

Wright was also put on the sex officers register for seven years as part of his notification requirements under the Sexual Offences Act.

In addition he was made the subject of a five-year sexual harm prevention order and was ordered to pay £85 costs, as well as £115 to the victims’ fund.

Wright was caught viewing child pornography when another resident of the sheltered accommodation and the scheme’s manager saw what he was doing.

Wright pleaded guilty at previous hearing to three offences of making indecent images of children.

The charges related to two Category A images – the most serious grading for child pornography, one Category B image and three Category C images. The offences took place on December 30.

During the hearing Sue Threadkell, representing Wright, said it was her client’s first appearance before a court and he had expressed “genuine remorse” to police.

He had been living in Stratford Court since July 16 last year.

The court was told Wright was using the computer as he was on job seekers’ allowance and was searching for work.

However, while he was using it he started to view images.

Mrs Threadkell said: “I think one thing led to another, to use his expression, and he began to view some images.”

When questioned about the offence by police he told them: “I’m not happy about it. I’ve no desire to do it again.”

Wright, who has never married and does not have children, had previously worked as a gardener for 20 years.

Mrs Threadkell said: “I’m told he’s not been removed from sheltered housing accommodation and will remain there.”

Prosecutor Colette Harper said the computer involved was a shared one for communal use.

While viewing images of young girls Wright was seen by the scheme manager and a fellow resident. Another resident was also said to have witnessed Wright.