A BASINGSTOKE man avoided a jail sentence despite “not knowing it was illegal” to have graphic images of animals on his laptop.

Edward Botheras, of Hackwood Road, Fairfields, was given a three-year community order and a sexual harm prevention order for five years when he appeared for sentencing at Winchester Crown Court on Thursday, April 20.

The 60-year-old pleaded guilty to possessing extreme pornographic images which portrayed a person performing acts with live animals, namely dogs and horses.

Botheras was arrested at his house on March 16, 2016, for having up to 25 extreme images on his laptop, despite being under supervision for a previous sexual conviction in 2002, for which he was jailed.

The images were found during a routine visit of his house.

Jane Terry, prosecuting, said when the police found the images he claimed “he was not aware that viewing those type of images was illegal”.

She added: “He claimed that he wished he never viewed any of the images, but could not explain why he continued to do so.”

The court heard that Botheras denied gaining any sexual gratification from viewing the images, something sentencing judge Christopher Parker QC questioned.

Defending Botheras, Jason Halsey said the images were “unpleasant” and “any member of the public would view them with disgust”.

He said: “This is someone who is ashamed of what has happened. He realises it was a mistake.”

Judge Parker QC gave Botheras a three-year community order, which would involve 200 hours of unpaid work, as well as paying £340 costs.

He was also issued with a sexual harm prevention order and will remain on the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.