A PERVERT who downloaded videos of children being raped and sexually abused has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Preston Crown Court heard how police raided the home of 30-year-old Felix Healey in June 2016 and seized a computer and external hard drive.

Prosecuting, Peter Barr said the items recovered from the house in Wycoller Avenue, Burnley, contained indecent images of children.

There were four category A images, the most serious example of child sexual abuse, including three videos; two category B, including one video; and 17 category C, including 16 videos.

The court heard that after the raid, Healey moved to Germany.

Mr Barr said the defendant had voluntarily returned in January and was interviewed about the videos and photographs.

Mr Barr said: “He made full and frank admission.”

Healey, who had no convictions, pleaded making to three counts of making indecent images of children.

Defending, Graeme Parkinson said Healey’s offending had dated back to when he was 25 and he was no longer the same immature person.

The barrister said his client now had a settled life in Germany and was in a stable relationship.

Judge David Potter said he accepted that Healey was now not the same immature 25-year-old who had sordid interest in the sexual abuse of children.

Judge Potter said: “You have now a settled life with a partner and a full-time occupation. You are no longer the same socially isolated immature man seeking gratification from viewing indecent images of children.”

Healey was given an eight-month custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, ordered to sign the sex offenders register for 10 years and made subject of a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.