A SHAMED security guard has been jailed for six months after admitting downloading 4,000 pornographic images of children on his home computer.

Nicholas Dewar, 59, from Inverclyde Road, Poole, pleaded guilty to 21 counts of possessing indecent images ranging in seriousness to grade five offences.

Prosecuting at Bournemouth Crown Court, Sadie Rizzo said Dewar’s home had been searched by police on July 21, 2011 after Dorset officers received information from an online protection centre for children.

Miss Rizzo added: “Mr Dewar had been in contact with a person in Australia who was charged with a number of child sex offences. Computer equipment was seized from his home.”

When interviewed Dewar admitted accessing illegal material and receiving emails, with indecent images attached, since 2006.

Defending, Robert Grey said his client had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity and co-operated fully with the police, adding: “He has not sought to escape responsibility and is a man of previous good character. He is ashamed of what he has done.”

In a statement, married Dewar said: “I’m very embarrassed, extremely remorseful and want to express my apologies for my behaviour.”

Mr Grey said Dewar had worked as a security officer and bar steward at a caravan site but had handed in his notice because of the court proceedings.

Sentencing Dewar, Judge Samuel Wiggs told him: “These offences are serious because of the quantity of material and, particularly, the quantity of material at higher levels.”

He imposed a Sexual Offences Prevention Order and told Dewar he must register as a sex offender for seven years.