An Ipswich man accussed of making 1,500 indecent images of children has had his case committed to crown court.

Scott Baker, of Willoughby Road, made his first appearance on four charges before South East Suffolk Magistrates Court.

The court heard 312 out of the 1,506 images involved in the allegations were categorised as Level A, the most serious grading of child pornography.

A further 211 were at Level B, while the remainder were Level C – the least serious grading.

The accusations facing the 48-year-old are alleged to have occurred in Trimley St Martin, near Felixstowe.

They are said to have happened on, or before, October 7 last year.

Baker declined to enter a plea to the allegations.

However, District Judge Celia Dawson said a not guilty plea would be indicated as required by new regulations.

Ian Devine, prosecuting, said the four charges related to four devices and objects. They are a mobile phone, a memory stick, a memory card and a laptop.

Due to the seriousness of the charges the matter was sent to Ipswich Crown Court.

District Judge Dawson told Baker the magistrates court has insufficient sentencing powers to deal with him should he be convicted.

A date of April 21 was set for a preliminary crown court hearing.

Baker was also told any trial window would be between August 17 and September 25.

He was released on bail until his next hearing.