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A University of Cambridge Professor has admitted making, distributing and possessing indecent images of children.

Prof. Simon Jarvis, aged 53, from Cambridge, was arrested in September 2016 by officers from the National Crime Agency.

Following a forensic examination of seized electronic devices, Jarvis was charged with 12 offences including making and distributing images, possessing prohibited images and possessing extreme pornography.

Sentencing him recently at Cambridge Crown Court, Judge David Farrell QC said: "You are an intelligent man, a professor of English literature at the University of Cambridge.

"As such, in my judgment, you must have know that by accessing and viewing indecent images of children you were indirectly encouraging the abuse of children.

"You were looking at these images for your own perverted sexual gratification."

Jarvis was sentenced to 12 months, suspended for two years, with a 10-year sexual harm prevention order. He was also placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years, and must undertake a rehabilitation programme.

Martin Ludlow, from the NCA’s CEOP Command, said: “Whilst there is no evidence to suggest there has been any contact abuse by Jarvis, every image in his possession was created as a result of a child being sexually abused.

“The NCA will continue to work with law enforcement colleagues, both within the UK and internationally, to identify and prosecute those who pose a risk to children and young people.”