A 27-year-old Coalway man has received a suspended jail sentence for downloading indecent images of children.

Ryan Wintle of Parkend Road, Coalway appeared before Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, March 10.

He admitted that between June 14 and July 10 last year he committed three offences of making indecent photos or pseudo-photographs.

The charges related to four images of Category A – the most serious – six of Category B and 16 of Category C.

He was sentenced to eight months in jail which was suspended for a year

Wintle was also placed under supervision for 12 months with a requirement to undergo rehabilitation activities for up to 20 days.

The magistrates said they regarded Wintle’s offences as ‘so serious that only a custodial sentence can be justified.’

They also ordered the confiscation of his Apple iPhone.

He is required to register with the police as a sex offender for 10 years.

The magistrates also imposed a five year sexual harm prevention order which restricts his access to, and use of, internet-enabled devices.

The order prohibits him from operating or controlling any internet profile, username or social media account other than in his own name unless approved in writing by the police or a probation manager.

He is also prohibited from possessing more than one personal computer or tablet and he is allowed to have only one mobile phone.

The order also prohibits him from living in the same household as any boy under the age of 16 unless he has written permission from social services.