A REGISTERED sex offender and "artist" has been sentenced for drawing illegal child abuse pictures.

Carlisle Crown Court heard how Nathan Brian Parker, 25, was originally convicted in 2015 for possessing illicit images of youngsters and extreme pornography.

After breaching parts of his punishment, Parker received a prison sentence. He was later locked up for making and possessing indecent movies and photographs of children. Then, while in prison, he was found to have drawn pictures depicting child sexual abuse.

A community order was imposed for that crime. But before that could take effect he was recalled to custody for failing to report to a bail hostel on time.

He was released from custody in 2017 but in January 2018 more illegal drawings he had penned were found - in his bail hostel room and at his home.

Prosecutor Rachel Faux said: "He is an artist with a particular interest in drawing pictures of child abuse and bestiality."

Parker, of Ennerdale Close, Dalton, admitted possessing 40 prohibited images. Had they been real images of children some would have been deemed category A. He also admitted breaching a sexual harm prevention order (SHPO), relating to his possession of an internet-accessible Nintendo DS console.

Nicholas Clarke, mitigating, said Parker had followed the community order for 14 months. A probation service background report indicated he was "doing very well" and has committed no offences while subject to that order.

A probation supervisor officer felt custody would be "detrimental" so Judge Peter Davies suspended a 24-month jail term for two years, and imposed 30 days' rehabilitation.

"These are grisly offences. You draw bestial pictures, sexually abusive images for your own delectation," said Judge Davies, who added: "You are an extremely disturbing young man."

However, Judge Davies concluded: "It seems to be better for the community at large that you respond to the professionals rather than be incarcerated."

Parker must sign the sex offenders' register for a decade.