A WAREHOUSEMAN, who secretly filmed a young girl, hid a computer hard drive and discs containing the indecent images on Southampton Common, a judge was told.

James Smith, 39, installed a camera so he could later watch the sordid images for his sexual gratification.

But the victim discovered what he had done and told her family who contacted the police.

Smith meanwhile had hid the offending material in bubble wrap on the Common but when questioned, admitted what he had done and the items were recovered.

In an impact statement, the girl said she suffered nightmares as a result of the experience and was "paranoid" that someone was watching her.

Prosdcutor Edward Phillips told the city crown court the total images in the case amounted to about 600 of which 80 were of the most serious category.

Smith, of Dale Valley Road, Shirley, admitted three offences of voyeurism, ten of making indecent images and one of possessing them.

Judge Nicholas Rowland said the most serious asepct of the case was that Smith had been cautioned by the police in 2002 for another offence of voyeurism.

"There is no alternative to immediate custody," he said, jailing Smith for 12 months.

He was also placed on the sex offenders register and made the subject of a sex offenders prevention order, both for 10 years.

In mitigation, David Storry said Smith's remorse was "unreserved" and he had taken steps to address his behaviour by approaching a specialist foundation."He realises he has a problem and its implications."