A REGISTERED sex offender has pleaded guilty to possession of over a hundred images of child pornography.

John Miles, 24, formerly of Tunbridge Wells, held his head in his hands as Crown prosecutor, Noel Watkins, read out nine offences of downloading pictures depicting extreme pornography.

Sevenoaks Magistrates Court heard on Tuesday how the defendant, who has since moved to Ashford, Middlesex, downloaded the explicit images on to two computers while staying with a friend in Tunbridge Wells.

They were found during a police raid after a friend expressed concern.

Miles, who was convicted of attempted rape in 2006, refused legal representation and pleaded with magistrates for help.

He said: "I'm not looking for someone to speak for me. I just want to get whatever help is available and what counselling I can get.

"The images were not for any personal gratification or sexual reasons.

"In a way, I was trying to answer questions about my father, issues on my own instead of seeking help."

Due to the seriousness of the case, Chairman of the Bench Jacqueline Hampton decided that Miles ought to be sentenced at crown court, where a greater punishment could be imposed.

She added: "If you download images like that it creates a market and causes harm to children."

The defendant was released on bail on the condition that he is not around children unsupervised.

A sentencing date has not yet been set.