A man who downloaded scores of sick child abuse images was told to hang his head in shame.

Michael William Brier, 50, was sentenced yesterday after admitting five offences.

Brier pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children during an eight-month period up to July, 2016, one charge of possessing 257 illegal images of children and one of possessing an extreme pornographic image.

Robert Wyn Jones, prosecuting, told Carlisle Crown Court the offences came to light after Brier's Cockermouth home was searched.

"Intelligence submitted to the police showed three IP addresses had been used to access the internet and download a significant amount of child abuse," said Mr Wyn Jones.

Images were located on a laptop.

More than half were found to be classed in category A - the most serious.

When quizzed by police, Brier admitted he had been "stupid".

"He did it while his wife and children were asleep in bed. He would stay up late and download images," said Mr Wyn Jones.

Brendan Burke, defending, confirmed Brier - who had no previous convictions - had "very abruptly and finally stopped" his criminal behaviour.

He had been advised to follow a "therapeutic" course.

"His greatest wish is to rebuild his relationship with his family," said Mr Burke.

Asked by Judge Peter Davies why the crimes were committed, the barrister replied that Brier had succumbed to "curiosity".

Judge Davies gave Brier, of Sonnets Way, a three-year community order for what he said were "unpleasant offences".

"You might hang your head in shame," said the judge.

Brier must also complete 100 hours' unpaid work and a rehabilitation requirement. He must sign the sex offenders' register and abide by the terms of a sexual harm prevention order.