Barkingside man admits making and possessing indecent images of a child – after taking computer to be repaired

A Barkingside man found with indecent images of underage girls was caught when he sent his computer to be fixed.

Vavinchandra Gopal Bedia, 55, of Hamilton Avenue, Barkingside, appeared at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court, Cranbrook Road, yesterday, where he pleaded guilty to two counts of making an indecent photograph of a child, one count of possessing nine indecent photographs of a child, one count of possessing a stun gun and one count of possessing pepper spray.

Magistrates heard how, on May 24, Bedia contacted electronics store Dixons to ask for help fixing his computer.

A member of staff saw the images, which according to prosecutor Paul Nagle included pictures of topless teenage girls, and reported it to police.

Mr Bedia’s computer was seized and his home searched, where police found a stun gun and pepper spray.

The images were a category one offence, meaning the pictures included erotic posing but no sexual activity.

Mr Bedia was described as “vulnerable” in court with both mental and physical health issues.

He attended court on Monday using breathing apparatus.

Magistrates bailed Mr Bedia unconditionally until January 27 for the probation team to prepare their report.