VICAR Peter Low has admitted downloading vile images of child sexual abuse.

The 65-year-old was the vicar of Heybridge St Andrew and St George and Langford St Giles from 2008 until last July when the images were discovered and he was suspended.

Low, of Crescent Road, Heybridge admitted four offences when he appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court today.

Wearing a suit and tie the disgraced vicar admitted downloading nine indecent images of children at category A.

This is the highest category and includes the most horrific and explicit images which can be downloaded.

The precise charge involves Low making indecent images of children in July last year in the Maldon district, which is when he was caught.

He admitted a similar count of making 25 indecent images at category B and a third count of making 21 indecent images at category C.

Low also admitted possessing 124 prohibited images of children.

The paedophile vicar has been ordered to inform police of his whereabouts effectively meaning he will be a registered sex offender in the interim between his guilty plea and his sentence in May.

Sentencing was adjourned so a pre sentence report is prepared by the probation service detailing the recommended punishment and rehabilitation for the judge to consider.

Judge Christopher Morgan said: "A report will assist the court to determine the appropriate sentence."

Turning to Low Judge Morgan said: "I don't know what the appropriate sentence will be and have ordered a pre sentence report.

"Sentencing will not take place until Tuesday, May 2.

"You will have to sign a form before you leave the building and you must register your information and current home address with the police."

The report was on an "all options" basis which includes a possible jail sentence.

Low was released on bail.

He worked for the Diocese of Chelmsford when the images were found and a spokesman said they were taking the police investigation "extremely seriously".

A spokesman for the Diocese of Chelmsford said: "The Diocese of Chelmsford, where he had been working, took the Police investigation extremely seriously, and worked closely with the police.

"Mr Low was suspended from all his duties as a vicar by the Bishop of Chelmsford immediately the Bishop was informed of the Police investigation, and he remains suspended.

"Mr Low will face a Church investigation under the Clergy Discipline Measure once the criminal case has been concluded.

"The Diocese is appalled that a clergyman has fallen so far short of the standards expected by the Church.

"The Diocese strives to uphold the highest standards in safeguarding policy, training, practice and disciplinary action. The online abuse of children destroys childhoods and devastates society. It is not tolerated by the Church.  

"We are offering pastoral support and are keeping all those affected by the situation in our prayers."

Mr Low has also been suspended as volunteer chaplain for the Maldon and District Sea Cadets.

In a statement, again before his guilty pleas, the Marine Society and Sea Cadets said: “The safety and wellbeing of young people is of paramount importance, and the charity takes its duty of care extremely seriously.

“We have strict safeguarding procedures in place and all volunteers undergo a DBS check with us. We have suspended volunteer chaplain Peter Low and are helping police with their enquiries.”