A PENSIONER who downloaded indecent images of children fuelled “a vile online trade.”

John Nixon, 72, was found to have stashed pictures on a USB stick and two hard drives.

At Ipswich Crown Court on Thursday, he was sentenced for three counts of making indecent images of children, possessing prohibited images of a child and possessing extreme pornographic images.

An NSPCC East of England spokesman said: “By possessing and downloading these images Nixon was fuelling a vile online trade that thrives on the abuse of children.

“It’s important that rehabilitation forms a part of this sentence and the government’s online harms legislation must ensure platforms face consequences if they fail to detect and take down content like this.”

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Nixon was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.

He must complete a 25 day rehabilitation activity requirement and undertake 50 hours of unpaid work.

He will be the subject of a sexual harm prevention order for seven years.

The NSPCC spokesman added: “We are all responsible for the welfare of children and if you have concerns please call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk.”