A man from Worthing has been sentenced to custody after police discovered child sexual abuse material on his electronic equipment.

Peter Howard, aged 36 and residing at Wallace Avenue, was detected accessing illegal imagery through an internet-enabled device using the X.com platform.

The individual had been subject to a suspended prison sentence imposed previously for attempting to communicate sexually with a minor.

During routine supervision by Sussex Police, officers established that Howard was in possession of an internet-connected device, which contravened the terms of his sexual harm prevention order.

Upon questioning, Howard initially claimed he had been searching for explicit content involving minors before eventually conceding that he had viewed the abusive material.

Court records show he had previously received a prison term in 2021 for attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.

At Lewes Crown Court on the twelfth of August, Howard entered guilty pleas to breaching the terms of his suspended sentence, violating his sexual harm prevention order, and three charges relating to creating or distributing indecent images of children.

The sentencing resulted in a term of two years and two months imprisonment.

Detective Inspector Debbie Ricks commented that officers conduct regular supervision of registered sex offenders to verify they are adhering to their legal obligations.

This can involve ensuring offenders notify authorities about electronic devices in their possession.

The case demonstrates that enforcement action will be taken against individuals who breach court orders designed to safeguard the public.

Howard did not comply with these requirements and is now serving a custodial sentence.