A GREENOCK man who hoarded a horrifying stash of child sex abuse images has been spared prison - and instead ordered to never delete his internet browsing history.

Steven McArthur, 31, returned to court for sentencing after he was arrested over the horrific images, found at a property in Saltcoats.

McArthur, of Weir Street, pleaded guilty to taking or permitting to take, or making indecent photographs or pseudo photographs of children between September 2018 and August 2019 at an address in the seaside town's Boyd Orr Road.

He also admitted possessing indecent photographs on various occasions between September 2018 and August 29 last year.

McArthur had pled guilty to both offences.

Sheriff Alistair Watson told the court he was concerned about both the number of images found and the fact that some depicted the most serious category of abuse.

Defence solicitor Peter Murray said: “He has no record and nothing outstanding.

"He is now 31, single, and is a man with a good work record, although presently unemployed and receiving Universal Credit.”

Addressing McArthur's crime, his lawyer said he struggled with a ‘compulsion’ to viewing the illegal images.

He added: “He is ashamed of his conduct and recognises these are not victimless crimes.

"He recognises indulging in and viewing these brings misery to children.

“He has no previous convictions, he co-operated with police and made them aware of his intention to plead guilty at the earliest opportunity

Sheriff Watson told the pervert he had come close to a spell behind bars.

He said: “This was a borderline decision.

"The number of images you had is concerning – and more concerning was that some were in the highest level."

The lawman added that ‘with some hesitation’, he would ‘step back’ from custody.

He sentenced McArthur to a community payback order with supervision for three years and placed him on the Sex Offenders Register.

He was also given a conduct requirement to inform his supervisor of any arrests, changes to his address or plans to travel outside the UK.

He must also report any phone numbers or electronic devices, inform of any serial numbers and passwords and not delete internet browsing history.

Sheriff Watson added: “Be in no doubt this is not the end of the road, only the next step.

"If you fail, you will be back before me and you will be sent to prison.”