A FORMER council worker who downloaded more than 150 images of child porn has been spared jail.

Alan Virgo, 65, downloaded 152 images from the internet, including those depicting children as young as four, between February and October last year.

Virgo, of Upper Hollingdean Road, Brighton, even installed software on his home computer to hide his IP address so his visits to the websites could be kept secret.

But the grandfather was found out when police searched his house in October and seized the computer after being tipped off that he was looking at indecent pictures of children.

Police found 17 Category A images of children - the most serious - meaning they depicted the most extreme form of abuse including penetrative sexual activity with children.

At Brighton Magistrates’ Court he pleaded guilty to three charges of making meaning - which means downloading - indecent photographs of children.

The court heard the former Woodvale Crematorium bereavement services manager for Brighton and Hove City Council had retired early after being suspended for his actions.

Virgo has no previous convictions and cooperated with police on his arrest,

Sentencing Mr Recorder Brock said Virgo had only been spared jail because of his previous good character.

“You know what those categories are and you know the ordeal and suffering those young people are put through for those photos to be taken. That is why it is such a serious offence.

“Without you of course looking at those images the photos would be worthless - that’s why you’re here. I give you credit for omissions you made in interview, credit for your guilty plea and maximum credit for your good character. That is the one outstanding feature that allows me to sentence in the way I’m about to sentence.

“You know you have lost that good character and the shame you brought on yourself and your family and friends.

“The offence in relation to category A images is so serious that only a custodial sentence would be appropriate. In this circumstance your sentence of six months is suspended for two years.”

Virgo will sign the sex offenders’ register for seven years, be subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and an internet sex offenders treatment programme. He will also do 100 hours community service.