A man from Walton found guilty of possessing a paedophile manual was handed a suspended sentence on Friday (June 7).

Julian Pitcairn, 58, was also found guilty of three counts of possession of indecent images of a child.

On Friday he was given a 21 month suspended sentence, told to attend 27 sessions of sexual offenders treatment programme, complete 20 days of rehab and 120 hours unpaid work, as well as paying £3,640 costs and victim surcharge, police said.

Mr Pitcairn was arrested on March 13 last year (2018) after a paedophile manual believed to belong to him was handed in to police.

A number of indecent images covering category A to C were also found.

During the operation officers from Surrey Police searched his address and seized devices, including Mr Pitcairn's mobile phone, computer and a camera.

Between March and June 2018, a link to a manual, as well as a search term in relation to schoolgirls, was found on his computer.

He was subsequently charged of possession of a paedophile manual and three counts of possession of indecent images in September 2018.

Investigating Officer, Dave Evans from Surrey Police’s Paedophile Online Investigation Team (POLIT), highlighted the relatively new law regarding paedophile manuals which came into effect in 2015 and its use in the case.

"This was an unusual and rare case as the law in relation to possession of paedophile manuals only came into effect in 2015.

"Pitcairn denied all knowledge of the manual and the photos throughout the investigation and the trial.

"He also denied all knowledge of a link found on his computer in relation to schoolgirls even though he had admitted looking at a link to an estate agent’s website moments before.

"The jury took just under four hours to unanimously convict him of all four charges," Mr Evans said.

He added that the investigation had been "extremely challenging" for the officers involved and urged anyone who suspected paedophilia in their area to contact police immediately.

"This was an extremely challenging investigation but our hard work has paid off and has resulted in the defendant being brought to justice.

"If you suspect anyone of viewing or distributing child abuse images, I would urge you to report it to us straightaway.

"We would also urge you to come forward if you believe a child is being sexually or physically abused and assure you that all allegations will be fully investigated," Mr Evans said.

For further information on how to report suspected child abuse, follow Surrey Police's guidance here: https://www.surrey.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/caa/child-abuse/how-to-report-possible-child-abuse/