A FIFTY-nine year-old from Hyndburn prompted a police visit by posting a potentially indecent picture of a child on the Tumblr social media site.

But it was when officers checked out his mobile phone and computer that the problems really began for Stephen Barsellotti.

Burnley Crown Court heard how he had child pornography featuring youngsters aged as young as eight or nine.

Barsellotti, of Church Street, Church, admitted to three offences of making indecent images.

He was given a two-year community order, including 40 rehabilitation activity days and a two-month curfew.

Passing sentence, Judge Sara Dodd said she had taken into account steps he had taken to address his "sordid sexual interest in children".

Duncan Nightingale, defending, said his client had sought assistance from the Safer Lives programme and had signed up to the Lucy Faithful Foundation to secure help for his problem.

He told the court Barsellotti's partner was standing by him though this had placed a strain on their relationship.