A convicted sex offender with a foot fetish was found to have indecent images of children on his phone after he had been searching his fantasy online, a court has heard.

Paul Frior, 39, who has a “significant number of convictions" for making indecent images of children was prohibited from deleting his internet search history as part of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) imposed after previous offences.

Norwich Crown Court heard Frior, who “has a foot fetish and gets sexual gratification” from it, had been searching girl foot fetishes online.

Norwich Crown CourtNorwich Crown Court (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)

Samantha Lowther, prosecuting, said when visited by police as part of checks being carried out in 2023 it became clear he had been using a streaming app which was not retaining its internet history.

When his phone was searched by police, a number of indecent images were found, including 186 category B - the second most serious - and five category C images.

Mrs Lowther said Frior told police he had an "obsession" with the images and found them while looking for foot fetish material.

Frior, from Burgh Lane, Mattishall, appeared at court on Monday for sentencing after admitting two counts of making indecent photos of children.

He also admitted breach of an SHPO.

Imposing an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, Judge Anthony Bate said Frior could have no complaint if he sent him immediately to prison.

But given Frior's pleas and his frank and open accounts given to police and probation, the judge said there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.

Frior must also complete up to 40 days rehabilitation activity requirement, complete a mental health order for up to 12 months and undertake 150 hours unpaid work.

Stephen Spence, mitigating, said there were no category A - the most serious - images found.

He said Frior also deserved full credit for his pleas.

Frior was made the subject of an updated SHPO.