Police investigating sexual assault claims found child pornography pictures when they searched an address in mid Essex.
Children's clothing was also discovered when police went to Alan Hamilton's home last year.
Chelmsford Crown Court heard how police were investigating claims of indecent assault and other serious sexual offences when they discovered the material last September.
Hamilton, 36, admitted assaulting a six-year-old boy when police quizzed him about the indecency allegations.
He said he was 16 at the time and the incidents had taken place 20 years ago, David Holborn, prosecuting said.
Hamilton, of Temple Grove, Bakers Lane, West Hanningfield, near Chelmsford, admitted two indecent assaults, two other serious sex offences and possessing indecent pictures of children when he appeared in court.
He was given a three-year community rehabilitation order, with a condition he attends a sex offenders' programme. He will also be put on the sex offenders' register for five years.
Gareth Hughes, mitigating, said Hamilton was ashamed of his behaviour and was remorseful.
There was little risk of him offending in this way again, Mr Hughes said.
Published Friday, February 7, 2003
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article