A father who was caught with 123 indecent images of children on his phone has been spared jail.

Christopher Davidson, of Meadow Head, Rishton, pleaded guilty to three counts of possessing indecent images of a child between May 8 2017 and April 15 2020.

Preston Crown Court heard how Davidson, 32, had been found with 17 category A images, which are the severest in nature, 22 category B images including two videos, and 84 category C images including one video, on his iPhone 7, which police seized and examined on June 10 2020.

Prosecuting, Peter Barr told the court how police had attended the then married Davidson's house at around 8am on June 10 after becoming aware that images had been downloaded via social media. 

Mr Barr said: "The defendant went outside and used the excuse that he needed to let the dog out, but instead went to hide his iPhone 7 behind the bins, which the police later found. 

"Upon examination they found 17 category A images, 22 category B and 84 category C images.

"In overview there were a few of girls aged four or five and others were of pre-pubescent girls between the ages of 10 and 13.

"When asked he denied the matters but also said he was drinking heavily and taking drugs.

"It's right to say that at this time he had no previous convictions but has since been charged with excess alcohol."

Defending Davidson, Andrea Locke said her client had had a fall from grace and wanted to now make progress in understanding why he committed such offences.

She said: "He admits the motivation was sexual and his lifestyle had descended into one which was chaotic, he was disinhibited, but he knows he is now in a difficult position.

"He wants to understand what the motivation was.

"He is a working man with a good ethic and he has a character reference from his former wife who says he is a good father and wants to take a meaningful place in society and provide for his young sons.

"He is remorseful."

Judge Andrew Jefferies QC said: "You were a man of good character who got into a rut with cocaine and alcohol and porn, and then went downhill to the images of abuse of children.

"It seems that there is some recognition by you of what you need to address."

Davidson was sentenced to seven months suspended for two years, told to carry out 30 days rehabilitation requirement and attend a programme to address the offending.

He was made subject to a 10 year sexual harm prevention order as well as notification requirements for the same length of time.