An "isolated" paedophile who downloaded over 191,000 indecent images of children over a period of years has been caged.
Andre Kertesz was found with thousands of vile child abuse images and videos when police raided his home in May 2018. His electronic devices were seized and over 191,000 images were discovered before he was released under investigation. But in September last year, police again searched his home, and discovered more indecent material in his possession.
On Wednesday, Kertesz, of Dene Crescent, Wallsend, Newcastle, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court to be sentenced for offences of making indecent images of children. The 56-year-old pleaded guilty to the charges.
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Emma Hughes, prosecuting, said on May 31, 2018, police conducted a search of his home - where he lived alone - before seizing nine items. Included in the seizure were four USB sticks and a computer tower. In total, six prohibited images of a child were found, along with 1,368 category A, 1,301 category B, and 188,634 category C images. Ms Hughes said the images had been downloaded between May 11, 2011 and May 31, 2018 and included a "high volume of moving images".
The court was told that over one million additional images were also discovered, but were "uncategorised". In interview, Kertesz gave no comment and was released under investigation. However, on September 13, last year, police once again executed a warrant at his home.
Ms Hughes, said: "Intelligence had been obtained that the occupant was in possession of indecent images. Items were seized along with hard drive discs." Following an examination of the items seized, further indecent images in category A, B and C were found. Some of the images depicted children as young as two-years-old and one category A video which was found lasted three hours in length. The court was told Kertesz had a previous conviction for possessing indecent images which dated back to 1999.
Richard Bloomfield, defending, said Kertesz "had the good sense to plead guilty" and that a report concluded he may be on the autism spectrum and that he has "a limited understanding of emotions in other people". He said the report noted that he has "significant difficulties in maintaining appropriate relationships". Mr Bloomfield said that being on the autism spectrum may explain the reason why he "amassed such a large amount of material." He added Kertesz is "socially isolated", claims to no longer have a sexual interest in the images and "is someone who is capable of being rehabilitated".
Sentencing Kertesz, Judge Sarah Mallett jailed him for 18 months. He will be on the sex offender's register for 10 years and a 10 year sexual harm prevention order was also made.
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