A FATHER of four who had “dirty pictures” of unsuspecting women was found out when he had his computer repaired.

James Harrison, 50, walked free from the dock at Burnley Crown Court after pledging to undergo “diversion therapy” to combat his behavioural problems as part of a two-year community order. He must also observe a four-month curfew and will be under probation-service supervision for 24 months.

MORE TOP STORIES:

Harrison must sign the Sex Offender Register for ten years — and a sexual harm prevention order was also agreed, restricting his access to under-16s and the internet.

Harrison, of Garden Street, Brierfield, had admitted two offences of voyeurism. Stephen Parker, prosecuting, said Harrison had asked a family friend to mend a laptop, after it had been dropped on the floor.

But the friend, while running checks on the computer, had found a number of concerning images. His partner was told and she confronted Harrison and he confessed, leading to the police being called in.

Nick Dearing, defending, said his client had no previous convictions and was agreeable to undergoing treatment for his acknowledged difficulties.

Passing sentence, Recorder Simon Medland QC said the offences were “very serious”.

But Mr Recorder Medland said: “You had the good sense to indicate that you are guilty, at an early opportunity, and you have impressed your probation officer with your genuine remorse.”

The court heard that the pre-sentence report had suggested the defendant would be a candidate for “diversion therapy” to prevent similar offending behaviour in future. Mr Recorder Medland said: “If I imposed an immediate sentence of imprisonment you will spend only a few months in prison, with little to keep you on the straight and narrow when you are released.”