A MAN who downloaded hundreds of vile indecent images of children has been spared jail. Robert Mills, 36, was given a three-year community rehabilitation order after pleading guilty to possessing the pictures and videos. He was sentenced at St Albans Cr

A MAN who downloaded hundreds of "vile" indecent images of children has been spared jail.

Robert Mills, 36, was given a three-year community rehabilitation order after pleading guilty to possessing the pictures and videos. He was sentenced at St Albans Crown Court last Friday.

Police discovered the sick collection when they raided Mills' home in Princes Mews, Royston, in July last year.

Acting on a tip off, they seized his computer and found what the prosecution described as "exceptionally vile" pictures and videos ranging from levels one - five on the indecent image scale, five being the most severe category.

Alexander Dunn, defending, said Mills had sought treatment for his perversion through the charity Stop It.

In light of this and his previous good character, Judge John Plumstead said he would not pass a custodial sentence, but gave Mills a three year community order. During this period he will be subject to a supervision order, and must complete a sexual offenders treatment programme, while his details will be added to the sexual offenders' register.

Judge Plumstead also banned Mills from working, or being alone at any time, with children and ordered him to pay �450 costs.

The judge said he took this course of action because "the community would be best served by you getting help".

He condemned Mills for his actions telling him: "Every one of those images featured someone's child who had been despoiled. By downloading those images, you played a small part in ensuring more children will have that experience.