'Stupid' pervert caught with sick child abuse video in Rushden

A man told police he was 'stupid' after he was caught with a depraved video of child abuse in Rushden.

David Knighton initially denied all knowledge having sick files in his possession after he was arrested last year.

But he later admitted his vile actions and was placed on the register for sex offenders on Monday (February 8).

Northampton Magistrates' Court heard police attended an address in Abbotts Way on January 25 after they received intelligence from Kik Messenger.

The 51-year-old was arrested and denied knowledge of having images of child abuse and handed his phone and tablet to officers.

But when his devices were examined police found one category A indecent video - the worst category possible - and four category C indecent images.

He later admitted his actions and pleaded guilty to two charges of making indecent images of children.

Prosecuting, Sukhy Singh said: "He said that he was stupid and that he was not a risk to children."

The court heard Knighton, now of Waterloo Caravan Park near Market Harborough, had no previous convictions and had never been in trouble with the police before.

No mitigation or explanation for his behaviour was heard in court after magistrates said they were minded to follow a sentencing recommendation from probation officers.

Chairman of the bench Deborah Smith told Knighton: "You are previously a man of good character.

"It's disappointing that you appear before us today in this courthouse."

Knighton was sentenced to a two-year community order with rehabilitation activities and must complete 150 hours of unpaid work.

He will be on the register for sex offenders for five years and must pay court costs of £85, as well as a surcharge to fund victim services of £90.