Michael Grasby, 57, of Medway Close, Lostock Hall, was sentenced on Monday at Preston Crown Court to 26 weeks imprisonment and placed on the sex offenders register for seven years after pleading guilty to possessing and making indecent images of children.

He was also given a sexual offences prevention order (SOPO) for an indefinite period that includes restricted access to computers.

Grasby was arrested at his home address last April following a joint investigation which was headed by the Metropolitan Police, which examined the use of websites where members were able to discuss their sexual interests and share indecent images of children.

Grasby had become a moderator and administrator on the site and created his own similar website.

Following Grasby's arrest, his computer equipment was seized and submitted to Lancashire Constabulary' s Hi-tech Crime Unit where it was thoroughly examined.

Following examination of his computer, Grasby was charged with one count of possessing indecent photographs of children with the intention to distribute them and 13 counts of making indecent photographs of a child.

He was found in possession of a series of indecent movie clips and hundreds of photographs that included images of children being subjected to adult sexual acts.

The children' s ages ranged from six to 14 years.

Det Insp Marc Nasser, from South Ribble CID, said: "This is a very serious crime.
"The distribution and sharing of indecent images of children encourages their sexual exploitation and leads to significant harm.
"It is our duty to protect our communities and our children from those seeking sexual gratification through their sexual exploitation."

Det Con Nuttall, the officer in the case, said: "The sentence sends out a message that sexual offenders will be caught and brought to justice.
"Grasby's sentence reflects the court's view of his criminality."