AN image of a naked child uploaded to the internet led police to the home of a former special constable and former Machynlleth Army Cadet leader whose unhealthy interest had spanned 10 years, a court has heard.

Imposing a 12-month suspended jail term, district judge Gwyn Jones told 56-year-old Geraint ap Dewi Rowlands at Llandudno: “I still have some difficulty in understanding how an intelligent man would believe he would get away with these offences, watching pornography on a regular basis in his armchair as if it were normal activity.”

The defendant was ordered to undergo a rehabilitation activity and do 160 hours unpaid work. He must register as a sex offender for 10 years and a sexual harm prevention order was made for the same period. Rowlands has to pay £200 costs.

He pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children and possessing prohibited images.

Prosecuting barrister Rob Edwards said 527 indecent images of children and extreme porn featuring bestiality had been discovered.

“He told police he used the internet on a daily basis. He would view pornography on an almost daily basis,” counsel added.

Simon Rogers, defending, said most images appeared to be in the lowest category of seriousness.

Mr Rogers said Rowlands had a strong work ethic and family life. He was married with adult children.

The barrister said Rowlands, of Cleveland Avenue, Tywyn, had contacted a charity to get help and was a “kind and generous man who’s made a serious error in the way he behaved in looking at these images”.

Mr Rogers added: ”He now understands the seriousness of what he’s done and the shame he’s brought upon himself.”

North Wales Police said Rowlands quit the special constabulary more than 10 years ago.