A WESTHOUGHTON man who was convicted of voyeurism and possessing indecent images of children has been jailed.

Appearing by video link from Forest Bank Prison, Eric Thompson, 42, of no fixed address, was appearing for sentence, after being convicted of four offences of possessing still images, moving images, extreme pornography and voyeurism.

Thompson, who had admitted the offences, was caught as part of a nationwide police operation last November and admitted his guilt at the time.

The court heard that Thompson was originally charged with possession of various images but further examination by police of his computer found a deleted film clip of a child undressing and dressing, which he admitted had been filmed by him in 2012.

He was subsequently charged with voyeurism.

The court heard that the images were for his own gratification and no evidence was found that they had been distributed.

During part of the sentencing Thompson, held his head in his hands, as prosecutor as Philip Dobson revealed that the defendant had accumulated the images over a five year period on his computers.

Defending, Kimberley Morton said: “The greatest mitigation was his willingness to admit to this kind of offending.

When he was re-arrested by police he made significant admissions and cooperated throughout the interview.“ He has admitted he has a problem. and wants help to deal with it.”

The court heard that Thompson, who had worked as a gas engineer had lost his job, lost his home and his marriage was on the rocks.

Judge Graeme Smith said: “You have lost your job, lost your marriage, lost your home and lost your liberty. Hopefully, it will encourage you not to pursue this behaviour in future.”

Thompson was ordered to sign the sex offenders register for seven years.