A FATHER of four walked free from jail after downloading thousands of child porn images and videos.

Police arrested Kevin Wicks during a dawn raid on January 26, 2016 after online operations led them to his Caversham home.

Upon seizing his computer they found 2,309 files containing horrific images of girls as young as four.

The IT technician admitted his crimes and broke down on the way to the police station.

In a statement read out at Reading Crown Court Detective Constable Paul Reese said: "Whilst being transported to custody he became extremely emotional and disclosed that we would find stuff on the computer.

"He said what he had been doing was sad and evil and was going to destroy his family and kill his father."

Since the discovery of the files, which included 60 Category A images and videos, the 53 year-old has had no contact with his two grandchildren but remained in a relationship with his wife.

Addressing Wicks as he sat in the dock wearing a blue jumper over a white shirt, Judge Angela Morris said: "In terms of the ages of the children who were as young as four, this is shameful.

"I make reference to that not to distress anybody that may be here supporting you, but because it needs to be said in open court so that no body is left with any doubt what so ever. It is brazenly disgusting.

"You should be beyond ashamed. You are a grandfather. If anybody has any idea of distress and pain to children who should be innocent you should."

Speaking in defence of Wicks, who had no previous convictions, Harper Marshall said her client had taken steps to address his actions following the arrest.

"He said in interview it was good he had been caught as he needed help," she said.

"He had never sought help before as he was ashamed. He has since gone on a 10 week programme with the Lucy Faithful Foundation. He understands more through the course the impact his offending has had on the victims.

"He is incredibly ashamed of his actions."

Kevin Wicks, of Goldsworthy Drive, Caversham, was sentenced to 12 months suspended for two years and given a 45 day rehabilitation activity order, a ten year sexual harm prevention order and a ten year notification requirement. His computer was destroyed and he was made to pay £500.