'Depraved' Rothwell paedophile searched dark web for sadistic images of babies as he studied for qualifications to work with children

Andrew Smith was jailed for three years after a court heard how continued to access sickening images from his home in Leeds despite twice being arrested and warned about his behaviour as he awaited sentence.

Leeds Crown Court heard Smith sent illegal child images to a paedophile in the Philippines.

The 36-year-old also engaged in online conversations with other offenders describing how he was going to gain qualifications to allow him to work with children.

Jeremy Barton, prosecuting, said police officers first went to Smith's home in May 2019 after receiving information that three Tumblr accounts linked to the defendant had been used to access illegal child images.

While waiting for the results of an investigation into the accounts police received further information about illegal activity on an social media account linked to Smith.

Officers returned to his home in June 2020 and seized electronic devices.

An investigation revealed he had accessed illegal images of children.

He had also made internet search terms including: "I am attracted to children."

The was evidence that he had accessed the dark web and engaged in online conversations with other paedophiles dating back to 2011.

Smith was interviewed and accepted that the devices were his and that he was responsible for the images recovered but refused to comment further.

Smith was placed on the sex offender on October 8 last year and ordered to abide by a number of requirements while awaiting sentence.

On October 24 two public protection officers went to his home to check that he was complying with the orders.

Smith was asked to hand over his mobile phone.

The device contained images of very young children in a state of undress.