POLICE caught an online paedophile in the act when they raided his home in the early hours, a court heard.

Officers made several attempts to get Dean Coulson, 32, to come to the door of his Burnley home, the town's crown court was told.

And when Coulson let them into his Tunnel Street address he was visibly flustered, said prosecutor Emma Kehoe.

When a computer device was spotted it still had a short indecent clip running of a girl, aged 10 to 12, the court was told. Coulson's brother, and his parents, were quizzed about the computer and the defendant initially denied downloading obscene material.

Mrs Kehoe said Coulson eventually accepted he had been viewing indecent pictures online for between 18 months and two years.

Coulson pleaded guilty to making 12 indecent images and was given a 30-month community order. He must complete 240 hours community service and 25 rehabilitation activity days with the probation service. He must also sign the sex offenders register for seven years and a sexual harm prevention order will restrict his future internet usage.

Judge Sara Dodd said she believed this punishment was the best way of protecting children from him.

Marianne Alton, defending, said her client lacked maturity and had difficulties forming long-term meaningful relationships because of his depression and anxiety issues.