A former Norfolk police constable whose life is 'in tatters' after being convicted of possessing child pornography and extreme pornography has been spared jail.

Timothy Peel, 37, who was based at Wymondham police station, was sentenced by Ipswich magistrates yesterday after he had been previously convicted of possessing an extreme pornographic image, possession of an indecent image of a child and making an incident image of a child.

Following his conviction in June Peel, formerly of Cunningham Road, Norwich, was dismissed by Norfolk police after a misconduct hearing.

Dave Foulkes, representing Peel, told the court: 'It is fairly evident Mr Peel's life is in tatters. He's having to start again effectively.

'He's lost his career. He's lost his good character.

'He is financially ruined. His marriage is over.'

Peel was sentenced to one year in prison, suspended for two years.

He was also ordered to undertake a 60-day rehabilitation requirement and an internet sex offenders' treatment programme.

In addition Peel was told he must pay £965 costs and £80 to the victims' fund.

Peel is now subject to a sexual harm prevention order to run indefinitely and will be on the sex offenders' register for 10 years.