Police went to the home of a convicted arsonist to investigate a suspicious Sheppey fire and discovered printed out pictures of young boys.

David Staples had laminated and framed images, Maidstone Crown Court was told.

Prosecutor Alex Rooke said: “Alongside the pictures, he appeared to be keeping indecent pictures of himself.”

Mr Rooke said officers went to investigate the 45-year-old at his home in Kingsnorth Road, Gillingham, on September 8.

Staples had been remanded in custody last year on suspicion of arson at a farm in Plough Road, Eastchurch, but the charge was dropped on January 7.

After the photos were discovered a total of 72 images at all levels of seriousness and prohibited cartoon pictures.

"These offences involve real children being sexually abused. I accept they are not the youngest children which have come to the attention of the court, but they are children nevertheless..." - Judge Martin Joy

Staples was jailed for 12 months after admitting four offences of possessing indecent photographs of children.

He had a number of previous convictions for arson. He was sentenced to two years’ youth custody in 1990, five years jail in 1992 and four years in 1995.

He was sentenced to four years for blackmail and 1988 and in 2007, 10 months for criminal damage and sending indecent material through the post.

Staples was given a conditional discharge in 2009 for possessing indecent images of children.

In 2011 he was convicted of harassment and then given 30 days for breaching a restraining order.

Mary Jacobson, defending, said Staples had never been given any help with his problems.

Judge Martin Joy said there were aggravating features because of Staples’ previous offending.

“He has been before the courts on many occasions and failed to comply with orders, and continued to download indecent images,” he said.

“These offences involve real children being sexually abused. I accept they are not the youngest children which have come to the attention of the court, but they are children nevertheless.”

A sexual harm prevention order was made and Staples’ name will appear on the sex offenders’ register.

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