A sex offender with a "very worrying" interest in men sexually abusing young girls has been jailed.

Anthony Lewis, 24, was given a second chance back in September 2021 after he was spared prison for having more than 2,000 indecent images.

But police found in February 2023 a nine-minute video of a boy and girl aged between six and eight being directed by someone off camera to engage in sexual intercourse. The category A film, the most serious classification of indecent images, was found on his iPhone from March 14, 2021.

The Presteigne man also breached his sexual harm prevention order by downloading and deleting social media app Kik on 29 occasions between December 30, 2022, and February 3, 2023.

READ MORE | Powys man spared jail over 2,000 indecent images

Judge Jeremy Jenkins jailed Lewis for 25 months after telling him that no rehabilitation in the community "is going to cure or improve" his sexual interest in children.

He continued: "People who view these type of films prolong and promote this type of behaviour. What you were watching was not simulation, it was not a cartoon.

"What you were watching was the ongoing real time abuse of young children and because people like you who get sexual satisfaction, more and more children continue to be abused in this way."

Lewis repeatedly denied during three police interviews between February and November 2023 of any association with the category A film before pleading guilty before a judge in the crown court last month.

In mitigation, barrister Tabitha Walker said her client understood there was a "very real risk of custody" and the pre-sentence report by the probation service "does make concerning reading".

COURT NEWS | 'Violent' man's Newtown pub attack left victim with 'life-changing' injuries

She said: "There are significant concerns in the report however there are traces of possibilities in it. Mr Lewis is still abstinent from drink and drugs. In terms of his low mood and mental health, he has grasped the nettle by taking medication.

"The report notes that he was undergoing therapy but had stopped that due to panic attacks. He is however taking therapy today and any actions he can to stop continuing this type of offending in his life.

"Mr Lewis acknowledges that what he did was wrong and he apologies to the court for his behaviour."

The barrister added that the report suggests a "lack of empathy" which may concern the court, however Lewis told her that he was "surprised" that the probation officer concluded that "because he does understand children cannot consent" to sexual activity.

COURT NEWS | Powys sex offender 'obsessed with dolls and Lego' spared jail for breaches

The court heard that Lewis considered applying for a job at a go kart park but "didn't think children would likely be at the centre". He decided not to pursue the job.

"Rehabilitation is slim," Ms Walker continued. "The issue he has is the first step. He is very candid with what his preferences are.

"He is a relatively young man with an element of immaturity in his thinking patterns."

Judge Jenkins concluded that there was "no other form of punishment for this level of offending" other than immediate custody, adding that the "only question is the length of time".

Lewis, of Joe Deakins Road, Presteigne, was sentenced to 16 months for breaching a sexual harm prevention order, and nine months for the indecent film which will be served consecutively. The 24-year-old will serve half the sentence in custody before being released on licence.