A POWYS man has entered no pleas after appearing in court charged with possessing hundreds of child sexual abuse images.

James John Silvano, 28, appeared at Welshpool Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, April 2, where his case was immediately sent to the crown court.

He faces a total of five charges – including one of making 266 indecent photographs of children of a Category A nature, the most serious.

Two other charges relate to possession of 128 images in Category B and 277 images of a Category C nature.

A fourth charge accuses him of distributing an indecent photograph of a child, of Category B nature. Charge five says he was in possession of an extreme pornographic image.

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The offences were allegedly committed by Silvano, of Orchard Close, Churchstoke, between August 19, 2019, and July 4, 2021.

Prosecutor Helen Tench said the alleged offences were discovered following a search warrant executed at the defendant’s home. She said: “I would say this case should be sent to the crown court.”

Paul Inns, acting for Silvano, made no representations.

Magistrates declined jurisdiction of the case and committed it to the crown court.

Silvano will make an initial appearance at Mold Crown Court on May 3. He was granted unconditional bail.