A TEENAGER who downloaded more than 60,000 indecent images of children and a ‘paedophile guide’ has been jailed for three years.

Kieran Lynch, 18, of Stevenson Court, Cambridge, admitted 12 counts of making and possessing indecent images of children at Cambridge Crown Court on February 7.

Police carried out a warrant at Lynch’s home on July 4 last year after information was passed from the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre that his internet provider (IP) address was linked to more than 64,000 indecent images that had been uploaded.

On a computer seized from Lynch’s home, officers discovered he had possessed and made 64,118 indecent images; 488 images at level five (the most severe legal classification) as well as 6,167 at level four, 4,078 at level three, 4,565 at level two and 48,802 at level one.

Amongst these images, Lynch had a ‘paedophile guide’ which was a step-by-step guide on how to identify a victim and go on to abuse that child.

Lynch had also made and possessed 426 movies.

In police interview, Lynch admitted downloading the images and was charged with five counts of making indecent images, two counts of possessing indecent images, four counts of possessing extreme pornography and one count of possessing a prohibited image. Yesterday (Thursday), at Cambridge Crown Court, Lynch was sentenced to three years for each count to run concurrent apart from the four counts of possessing extreme pornography he received 12 months to also run concurrent.

Lynch was also made the subject of a sexual offences prevention order (SOPO) for a minimum of eight years and will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely.

Detective Constable Gareth Purdy, who investigated, said: “Lynch knew exactly what he was doing and it was extremely concerning when we found the ‘guide’.

“Downloading images of this nature is not a victimless crime as it fuels the abuse of children worldwide.

“There is no excuse for it and, as this case demonstrates, those who access such images can be traced and will be dealt with.”

Andy Baker, Deputy Chief Executive at CEOP said: “This case once again shows how CEOP works with local forces to target offenders and bring them to justice. Every time these images are viewed a child somewhere is being re-victimised. Knowing this material is out there online and being shared by paedophiles causes child victims enormous suffering. If you contribute to this suffering by trading in images you will be caught and you will be held to account.”