Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard Christopher Mead denied having any internet-enabled devices on two occasions but owned up when officers said they would conduct a search.

Mead, 43, of Spencer Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty to three charges of breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

He was committed in custody to Burnley Crown Court to be sentenced on May 7.

Lyndsey Vinden, prosecuting, said when police first went to the defendant’s home on a compliance visit he denied having any internet-enabled devices.

He explained that a WiFi device was to run the smart TV.

“The police then received information regarding the sharing of indecent images, and the defendant’s IP address was flagged up,” said Miss Vinden.

When police called again, Mead again denied he had any internet-enabled devices, but when told there would be a search, admitted he had a laptop and a hard drive.

“It is not just a breach of the order,” said Miss Vinden.

“There is evidence the breach was enabling further offences to take place. He lied to police on two occasions.”

Irfan Akhtar, mitigating, said the order had been made in 2021 and this was the first breach.

“He intended to register the laptop and doesn’t remember when the hard drive was last used,” added Mr Irfan.