A MAN has admitted being in possession of more than 20,000 images of children and extreme pornographic images involving animals while he was living in Ilchester.

Andrew Philip Steele, 57, of Middleton Road, Oswestry, appeared at Taunton Crown Court today (February 5).

Steele admitted that between January 1, 2016 and January 26, 2017 he was in possession of 11,716 images and 651 movies of children in the most serious category A.

He also admitted he was in possession of 7,824 indecent images and 177 movies of a child in Category B and had 2,224 indecent images and 252 movies of a child in Category C.

Steele also admitted to being in possession of 37 prohibited images and five movies of a child.

He also pleaded guilty to being in possession of 26 images and 114 movies of an extreme pornographic nature which portrayed, in an explicit and realistic way, a person performing an act of intercourse with a live animal, namely dogs and horses, and which was grossly offensive, disgusting or otherwise of an obscene character.

Judge Paul Cook postponed Steele’s sentencing so a pre-sentence report can be prepared but warned the defendant that delays did not mean he would avoid jail.

“Your sentencing will be adjourned for a pre-sentence report,” Judge Cook said.

“This leaves all options open to the judge who imposes your sentence.”

Steele will next appear at Taunton Crown Court on February 26.