A FLINTSHIRE man attempted to destroy evidence of indecent images as police searched his home, a court heard.

Samuel Ellis, aged 36 and of Ffordd yr Odyn in Treuddyn, appeared before Mold Crown Court on Thursday for sentencing.

He was convicted at Mold Magistrates Court at an earlier date for three offences of possessing indecent images, one offence of possessing prohibited images and possessing extreme pornography.

Anna Price, prosecuting, said on the morning of May 19 this year police executed a warrant at his home.

Officers met him on his driveway and asked for his mobile phone, after which he became “panicked”.

He was taken inside the property by police and claimed he couldn’t find his phone.

Ellis was taken into custody while officers continued to search his home.

The device was only found when he was told he’d be strip-searched.

At that point he recovered it from his crotch area and upon examination officers found it to be wet inside.

He had used the toilet at his home while officers searched, Ms Price said, and it was believed used the opportunity to try and damage it before hiding it on his person.

Ellis later claimed he “forgot” he had it with him, and admitted to seeing indecent images on an app.

Upon examination, police found a number of indecent images of children - 25 category A , 11 category B and 22 category C.

The children were predominantly aged from three to 12.

Also discovered were 19 prohibited images.

Andrew Green, defending, said: “It’s right to say at the outset that these are always regarded by the court rightly as serious offences and that is not lost at all on Mr Ellis.

“His life has been blighted by personal trauma, but also mental health issues.

“Since his arrest and since the discovery of these offences he has behaved, in my submission, in a far more positive way.

“He is genuinely remorseful for what he has done and is determined to begin the process of rebuilding his life.”

Judge Niclas Parry told Ellis: “This is a worrying case - not only have indecent images of sexual abuse of extremely young children been viewed and looked for, they include moving images.

“The use by you of the internet has included extremely concerning comments regarding what was certainly your thoughts if not your intended actions regarding the abuse of children.”

“I am satisfied that there was an attempt to dispose of evidence that would hinder police.

“You’re a hard working man and you undoubtedly have mental health issues which will have contributed to this behaviour.”

Judge Parry handed Ellis an eight month custodial sentence, but suspended it for a year.

He must complete 60 rehabilitation activity days and pay costs of £340.

Ellis was also made the subject of a 10 year sexual harm prevention order.