A former teacher from Dartford has been jailed after keeping more than four days worth of illegal video material including "appalling" images of children on his computer.

Timothy Mapps, 61, was sentenced to 11 months in prison after officers found more than 700 indecent images and videos of children at his home in Burnham Crescent, Dartford.

The former Swanley Technology College teacher, now Orchards Academy, pleaded guilty in an earlier hearing to six counts of making indecent images of children, four of possessing indecent images and four of possessing images depicting bestiality.

Mapps denied having searched for child abuse material, claiming that whilst viewing adult pornography he might have inadvertently received child abuse images, which he viewed before deleting them.

However, Mapps’ computer had been found with more than four days’ worth of illegal video material including sexual activity with animals.

DC Jo Gordon, who investigated the case, said: "Mapps had a large quantity of appalling videos featuring both child abuse and extreme material.

"Despite trying to make excuses and minimise his involvement, I am glad the judge has recognised his behaviour for what it is.

"This case should send a message to others involved in similar crime that Kent Police will work hard to track you down and deal with those involved in the making and distribution of indecent images of children, for which there is no excuse."

Mapps was also given a lifetime ban from working with children, ordered to sign on the sex offenders register for 10 years and given a 10-year sexual offences prevention order.