A MAN from Gomeldon has admitted making indecent images of children after pleading guilty during his trial.

David Simons, 45, of Broadfield Road, appeared at Winchester Crown Court on March 11 where he had been due to stand trial.

However, on the second day of proceedings, Simons changed his plea and admitted three counts of making indecent images of children.

The offences took place between November 30, 2023 and January 8, 2024.

The charges relate to 17 category A images, 22 category B images and 58 category C images of children.

Detectives discovered the material during an investigation by Wiltshire Police’s Child Internet Exploitation Team.

Det Cons Justine Parsons said: “This was a thorough investigation which uncovered images of category A – C indecent images found on Simons’ mobile phone.

“Accessible Cat C images were found in Simons’ password protected hidden folder on his mobile phone.

“Although the case was listed for a trial, once the judge heard and agreed to allow the jury to hear the sexual communication that Simons had with a user on a social media platform who purported to have a 12-year-old daughter, he pleaded guilty. He had spoken sexually about the child.

“These are serious offences and whilst no contact offences were identified, Simons’ intentions were extremely disturbing.

“Protecting children remains our priority and offenders like Simons have no place in society.”

Simons is due to be sentenced at Salisbury Crown Court on May 11.