A FORMER banker who lost his career after being convicted for child pornography offences has appeared in court again for possessing thousands of indecent images.

Pensioner Nigel Hannibal, who worked for Chase Manhattan Bank and Portman Building Society, admitted 22 charges when he appeared before Bournemouth Crown Court.

Judge Samuel Wiggs heard Hannibal lost his career and was disowned by many of his family after a similar case in 2003.

The court heard that Hannibal, 63, of Ophir Gardens, Bournemouth was arrested in August 2010.

Analysis of his computer revealed 4,596 indecent images, most of which were categorised as level one with 12 at level two, two at level three, six at level four and two at level five. Level five is the most serious. Defending, Thomas Horder said Hannibal did not accept he had a problem when sentenced to five months in jail nine years ago.

“He does now accept that he has a problem. He wants to and needs to do something about it,” he said. Judge Wiggs sentenced him to a three-year community order, with a three-year supervision requirement, and ordered him to take part in the Thames Valley Sex Offenders Programme. He will be on the Sex Offenders’ Register for five years.

Judge Wiggs added: “It is extremely sad to see you again before the court at the age of 63.”