When police searched the home of Benjamin Williams in Deal they found indecent images of children on his laptop, some of toddlers and newborns being sexually abused.

There were also chat logs which revealed that Williams, 27, had been sharing images with others, Canterbury Crown Court was told.

Williams admitted four offences of making indecent images, six offences of possessing photos for show and one offence of possessing extreme pornography.

He was jailed for 26 months and given a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.

Edmund Fowler, prosecuting, said police received information that someone using a Skype account in the name of Amy Stevens was engaging in chats about sharing indecent images of children.

Police went to the home Williams shared with his fiancée in Mongeham Road and both denied having a Skype account in the name of Amy Stevens. Williams went upstairs and a police officer saw him try to hide an iPhone and iPad.

His laptop and hard drives were examined and still and video images of children being abused were found, along with chat logs about trading them. Images were on his laptop in files ready to be shared.

These are, in every case, a real toddler and a real baby who is being sexually and physically abused for the sexual gratification of people like you" - Judge Heather Norton, to Williams

Mr Fowler said: “Various search terms were found, along with chats about accessing the dark web. Williams said he liked images of toddlers and newborns.

“Aggravating features are the discernable pain and distress present, involvement in sharing and deliberately seeking out images of very young children.”

As a result of the case his relationship with his fiancée has ended and their house is being sold.

Max Reeves, defending, said Williams, who had no previous convictions, had extreme remorse and was ashamed of his activities.

“He is extremely motivated to seek help and put this all behind him,” Mr Reeves said.

Judge Heather Norton said Williams had been looking at indecent images of children since he was in his late teens.

She added: “It is not a case of just looking at images. These are, in every case, a real toddler and a real baby who is being sexually and physically abused for the sexual gratification of people like you.”