A FORMER youth theatre director has been spared a prison sentence after downloading indecent images of children.

Peter Harding, 55, received a three-year supervision after admitting seven counts of making indecent images.

Judge Peter Ralls QC said he was following the recommendation in the pre-sentence report so the probation service could ensure the public were not at risk.

Harding, a former director of Centre Stage Productions Youth Centre, was discovered by police to have 21 images, all of boys, on his computer.

Prosecutor Mary Aspinall-Miles told Southampton Crown Court when questioned, he told police he had done it for research purposes.

Harding, of Merrieleas Drive, Chandlers Ford, was also told to carry out 60 hours unpaid work for the community and pay £250 costs.

He also received a five year sexual offences prevention order and because of his conviction has been placed on the sex offenders register and banned from working with children.

He was said to be of 'previous good character'.

A spokesman for Centre Stage Productions Youth Centre said he was sacked a year ago when the allegations came to light, saying: "To protect our young people that was the action taken."