A pervert who downloaded thousands of images of children as young as two has been jailed.

Aaron Langley stockpiled more than 18,500 pictures and movie clips showing young children - one as young as two or three - in depraved acts with adults.

The 32-year-old, of Imperial Road, Gillingham, was jailed him for 16 months.

Prosecutor Ian Foinette said Langley, who was convicted of indecent assault as a juvenile, was arrested at his home on January 9 last year.

The images found covered all levels of seriousness.

“Not all could be looked at by police because of the sheer volume,” said Mr Foinette. “The charges relate to examples. He indicated he had a sexual interest in boys aged 10 to 17.

“He indicated he had been viewing them for some time. He kept them stored. He said his preference was for boys and was interested in what was being done to them.”

James Ross, defending, said Langley, who admitted 15 charges of possessing indecent images of children, only came into physical contact with a child when convicted of indecently assaulting a boy in 2001.

“He downloaded such large amounts of the images he couldn’t conceivably get around to looking at them all,” said Mr Ross. “He looked at them as and when.” Mr Ross submitted Langley needed sex offender treatment and counselling with psychiatric intervention.

“He comes from a supportive family,” said Mr Ross. “His mother is absolutely shocked by this. He does seek help and treatment. He would follow any course and change his personality.”

Judge Charles Macdonald QC told Langley: “This is quite a bad case. There are many aggravating features. You shared the images with others with a like interest.”

Langley’s name will appear on the sex offenders’ register for 10 years and he will be barred from working with children or vulnerable adults.

DC Jo-anne Gordon, investigating officer for the case, said: "This case serves as a reminder that Kent Police fully investigates all reports of people using the internet to view and distribute indecent images of children.

"In this case Langley accumulated a huge amount of indecent images and videos which showed children being subjected to horrific abuse.

"I hope he spends his time in prison reflecting upon the impact the material he was viewing has on the victims who will have to deal with the psychological affects of this for the rest of their lives."