A STOCKSFIELD man who had over 3,000 indecent photos of children stored on his phone and computer has been spared prison.

Christopher Cooper (52) of Branch End Terrace, Stocksfield, appeared in front of Newcastle Crown Court on Wednesday, for sentencing.

He was handed an eight month prison sentence, which was suspended for 12 months. Cooper must also complete 100 hours unpaid work and rehabilitation.

He must also sign the sex offenders register for five years and was made subject to a sexual harm prevention order for the same period.

Cooper previously pleaded guilty to four counts of making indecent photographs of children at a hearing at North Tyneside Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.

The images, of girls aged between seven and 14, were found by police during a search of Cooper's house in August last year. Many of the images were category A - the most serious kind.