A former retained fire fighter from Aldington has pleaded guilty to possessing more than 9,000 indecent images of children, some of them of the most serious nature.

Llewelyn George Buckland, 35, of Celak Close, Aldington appeared before Maidstone Crown Court on Monday and was sentenced to two years imprisonment.

Buckland pleaded guilty to making and possessing indecent images of children on November 17.

Following investigations into people buying child abuse images carried out by Metropolitan Police, information was passed to Kent Police who carried out further inquiries into Buckland.

Officers quickly established Buckland had in his possession over 9,335 indecent images of children ranging from level 1 to level 5, level 5 being the most serious depicting sadism or bestiality with children.

Head of Kent Police’s public protection unit, Det Supt Paul Fotheringham said: “He has compiled a sickening collection of images of children suffering real abuse."

Buckland had 5,115 level 1 pictures, 1,191 level 2, 1,666 level 3, 1,310 level 4

and 53 of the most serious nature: level 5.

The court heard how Buckland has continued to view indecent images whilst on bail.

Kent Police’s DC James Traynor said: “I’m pleased this has been reflected in his sentencing.”

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue Service said: “Kent Fire and Rescue Service treats the conduct of its staff very seriously and, following a Kent Police investigation and prior to the court case, Mr Buckland resigned from the service.”

Det Supt Fotheringham said: “I’m pleased that Kent Police’s public protection unit has once again removed a serious offender from Kent’s community and put him before the courts to receive just punishment.”