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Scientist had 500,000 porn images Scientist had 500,000 porn images
(about 1 hour later)
A married scientist has pleaded guilty to possessing 500,000 indecent images of children.A married scientist has pleaded guilty to possessing 500,000 indecent images of children.
Astrophysicist Robin Phillips, 33, also admitted two counts of taking indecent images of children and one of attempting to take an indecent image.Astrophysicist Robin Phillips, 33, also admitted two counts of taking indecent images of children and one of attempting to take an indecent image.
A court heard police caught the father-of-two taking indecent photographs of young girls in Trafalgar Square, central London, on 27 August.A court heard police caught the father-of-two taking indecent photographs of young girls in Trafalgar Square, central London, on 27 August.
Phillips of East Grinstead, West Sussex, will be sentenced next month.Phillips of East Grinstead, West Sussex, will be sentenced next month.
Dapo Olorunsola-Elias, prosecuting, told Westminster Magistrates' Court: "He was seen to take a photo of a young female child sitting on the lion.Dapo Olorunsola-Elias, prosecuting, told Westminster Magistrates' Court: "He was seen to take a photo of a young female child sitting on the lion.
"He was then seen to take a further photo of other female children.""He was then seen to take a further photo of other female children."
Computer seizedComputer seized
Phillips was then approached by police officers.
In a police interview, Phillips admitted taking the photos and said he had got some on his computer from the internet.In a police interview, Phillips admitted taking the photos and said he had got some on his computer from the internet.
The court heard how Phillips's home was searched and computer equipment seized. The court heard his home was searched and computer equipment seized.
Hundreds of thousands of indecent images were found.Hundreds of thousands of indecent images were found.
Anyone who chooses to view images like these is assisting in abuse that goes on around the world District Judge, Quentin PurdyAnyone who chooses to view images like these is assisting in abuse that goes on around the world District Judge, Quentin Purdy
Jacob Blatch, defending, said: "This is a problem that is loosely termed in his mind a hobby.Jacob Blatch, defending, said: "This is a problem that is loosely termed in his mind a hobby.
"He also has a problem with his interest in teenage girls.""He also has a problem with his interest in teenage girls."
District Judge Quentin Purdy said: "What he may choose to describe as a hobby is clearly something more sinister as far as young girls are concerned.District Judge Quentin Purdy said: "What he may choose to describe as a hobby is clearly something more sinister as far as young girls are concerned.
"Anyone who chooses to view images like these is assisting in abuse that goes on around the world."Anyone who chooses to view images like these is assisting in abuse that goes on around the world.
"It is made worse by the fact he was skulking around in Trafalgar Square.""It is made worse by the fact he was skulking around in Trafalgar Square."
Phillips was granted bail and the case was adjourned until 27 October for sentencing.Phillips was granted bail and the case was adjourned until 27 October for sentencing.
He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders' register.He was also ordered to sign the sex offenders' register.