Michael JonesLYNEHAM-based Flight Lieutenant Michael Jones was a pilot with an exemplary service record who liked to look at child porn, a court heard.

He was jailed for four months after obscene material was found. Jones, 41, of Fern Farm, pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent pictures of a child and three counts of possessing indecent pictures of a child.

Passing sentence at Swindon Crown Court yesterday, Judge John McNaught said: "A high price has already been paid as your reputation has been ruined and your punishment has begun."

Prosecuting, Colin Meeke said last year Jones fell under suspicion because of items sent to him.

"As a result, his mess room at RAF Lyneham was searched and a computer, CD-roms and videos were seized," Mr Meeke said.

Initially, the RAF police examined material found, but turned the investigation over to Wiltshire Constabulary after a large quantity of obscene material was found which, though much was not prohibited by law, included significant downloads from the internet of indecent images of children.

Mr Meeke said 470 images involving youngsters were found stored on a CD-rom.

"After declining an interview with Wiltshire police, he elected a crown court trial before pleading guilty at the crown court at the earliest opportunity," Mr Meeke said. "There was no distribution of material."

Defending, Dingle Clark said: "It's always a great pity and a matter of real regret that someone of good character comes before the court for the first time aged 41.

"The consequences of this is the shame he has heaped upon himself and those with whom he is attached is very considerable.

"Here is a man who, over more than 20 years, performed fantastic public service.

"As well as work in the community he gave real, active service overseas. He is a brave man with huge talents."

Jones was put on an extended period of licence for two years, ordered to register on the sex offenders register for seven years, and ordered to pay £1,500 defence costs and £350 prosecution costs.

His computer equipment will be seized and destroyed.

John Makinson-Sanders, RAF Lyneham spokesman, said Hercules pilot Jones had served at the station for 17 years, and had served in the first Gulf War.

A decision on his future career would be made by the Air Force Board.