A man has appeared in court charged with making and distributing online sexual images of children. 

Stephen Maddocks faces six charges said to have been committed over a five month period between November 2021 and April 2022.

The 38-year-old, of Mundesley Road in North Walsham, spoke only to confirm his name, details and to confirm he was entering no plea to the allegations when he appeared before Norwich Magistrates’ Court. 

Among the offences he is accused of include that he made 54 category A images - the most severe which involve child being subjected to sexual acts 

He is also charged with making 160 category B and 30 category C images. 

Other allegations include distributing 34 category A, 21 category B and 29 category C images.

The court was told the offences carried a sentencing starting point of 17 weeks imprisonment and were too serious for the magistrates' powers. 

Lucy Brakewell, for Maddocks, did not oppose an application for the case to be committed to Norwich Crown Court with a preliminary hearing on May 8.

Maddocks was given unconditional bail.