After pleading guilty to one count of distributing an indecent image of a child and three charges of creating indecent images of children at a hearing last month, Paul Smith, aged 42, of Lord Street, Rotherham, was sentenced to six months behind bars, suspended for two years.
Beginning in 2018, police looked at Smith after learning he had participated in an online conversation of concern.
“The images on Smith’s phone ranged in severity from Category A, the most serious and horrific category, to Category C,” said Doncaster detective inspector Simon Leake.
“Our research turned up Smith visiting websites where he was actively participating in criminal conversations concerning obscene photographs of youngsters.
“This terrible and dangerous exploitation of minors is just unacceptable. That he admitted guilt to these crimes makes me happy. Under the conditions of his Sexual Harm Prevention Order, he will now be closely watched; any breach might lead to a prison sentence.
A type of legislation known as SHPOs can be given to guard the public or a specific person against sexual harm.
Orders can be sought independently of criminal activity or as part of an offender’s sentence.