A successful accountant has avoided jail after being caught with child abuse images - some of them featuring victims as young as four.

Mark Pereira, 55, of Elizabeth Close, Bracknell, appeared before Reading Crown Court today (June 24).

He previously pleaded guilty to possessing indecent and extreme images.

Judge Amjad Nawaz told the court that Pereira was arrested following a police raid on his home in 2021.

His electronic devices were seized, and investigators found numerous images of children being abused on them.

The victims were of varying ages - with some believed to be as young as four.

Judge Nawaz said he 'can't fathom' how offenders gain gratification from such material.

Pereira heads his own accountancy firm, MW Accounting Services, established in Bracknell for around 20 years.

The judge told Pereira: "You live a comfortable life, as compared to many others in society."

From their inquiries after his arrest, the police learned that Pereira had been sending hundreds of pounds to the Philippines.

This prompted concerns that he had been in contact with child abusers abroad - but the defendant said these payments were meant for family members.

Judge Nawaz stated that he had to weigh up the potential ramifications of jailing Pereira.

He noted that the defendant is the main breadwinner in his household.

The judge concluded: "What society can benefit from is education, so that you're effectively weened away from this type of behaviour."

In the end, Pereira was handed a three-year community order, including 100 hours of unpaid work and a five-year SHPO.

He has also been ordered to pay £150 to the court, in order to cover the costs of his own prosecution.