A 61-year-old man has admitted downloading indecent images of children on a communal computer in sheltered accommodation in front of other residents.

Paul Wright, whose address was given as Burke Road, Ipswich, was caught when another resident and the scheme’s manager saw what he was doing, South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court heard.

Wright had originally been trawling the internet for jobs.

He pleaded guilty to three offences of making indecent images of children when he appeared before Ipswich magistrates.

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.

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.”

Magistrates heard it was only going to be a matter of time before what Wright was doing was discovered.

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.”

Previously 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.

Sentencing was adjourned until May 9 to give time for a pre-sentence report to be compiled.

Wright was released on conditional bail.