A MANAGER who became "addicted" to child pornography and downloaded over 800 images has been jailed for one year.

Among his sick collection, Trevor Howard, 46, of Whalley Old Road, Blackburn, had 47 images from the internet which were classified in the most serious and vile category.

Howard, an only child who lived with his mother, had taken an overdose as he struggled to come to terms with the shame of his actions, Preston Crown Court was told yesterday.

Prosecution and defence barristers described him as a person of previous good character who was well-respected in the community for his "exemplary" work record.

He was jailed after admitting six charges relating to downloading or possessing child pornography at an earlier hearing.

Howard was arrested on May 18 this year after police raided his home.

Judge Peter Openshaw QC gave him credit for his guilty plea, previous good character and work record, but said: "Some of the images are in the highest category and some of the young children are quite clearly in distress.

"These were photographs of real children in acts of gross abuse and by viewing these images the defendant was seeking gratification from the fact of that abuse."

John O'Shea, prosecuting, said: "The defendant was interviewed at great length by police and he explained in some detail the state of affairs.

"He said that at the time he was engaging in these offences, he was feeling isolated.

"He looked at adult material first and came across a site. Having gone on this site he began to view young girls.

"He described that it became like a drug to him and he was not able to stop and he was now ashamed at what he had done.

"He said he did it out of curiosity but quickly became addicted and shared photos with other people."

Richard Howarth, defending, added: "He has an exemplary work record which is demonstrated in references submitted to the court.

"He lives with his mother and she has become increasingly dependant on him since his father died.

"She was devastated at these matters and has no comprehension why he should go down that road.

"He is sensitive to what others say about him and is ashamed. "

The court heard he had recognised his problem and had started to receive treatment.