A pervert who downloaded hundreds of indecent images of children was caught following an undercover police operation.

Finlay McMichael pleaded guilty to downloading the images as well as distributing indecent photographs of youngsters when he appeared in the dock at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on October 4.

The 25-year-old was found with more than 500 images, both still and moving, and in all categories including 300 category A images, the worse kind.

McMichael, of Dalby Square, Cliftonville, admitted six offences when he appeared in the dock in front of District Judge William Nelson.

He had been charged with three counts of distributing images in Margate between August 22 and October 10, 2023, and was also charged with three counts of making indecent images during the same period.

Judge Nelson heard he was said to have made 300 category A still and moving pictures, 176 category B images and 54 category C images.

Prosecutor Neil Sweeney told the court all the cases should be sent to the crown court to be dealt with as sentencing powers in the magistrates’ court were insufficient.

Scott Neilson, defending, told the court the offences were linked to a sting operation and links of indecent images were sent to an undercover police officer.

Judge Nelson told McMichael that because he had admitted the offences he was now subject to the notification requirements of the sex offender register and must give details to police of where he is living as well as other information within 72 hours of leaving court.

He added: “You now have obligations under the notification requirements of the Sex Offenders Act and if you don’t register you will be committing a separate serious offence and if you don’t turn up for your crown court hearing a warrant will be issued for your arrest.”

McMichael was granted conditional bail until he is sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court and a date for that hearing is yet to be fixed.