A radio presenter caught with indecent images of children has tried to claim that he was using them as 'research' for a documentary.
Thomas Davies pleaded guilty to three charges of making indecent images of children.
Newcastle Crown Court today heard how he tried to argue that he only had them because he was working on a documentary about the issue.
However, a judge told him that whatever his reason for downloading these images there was no lawful excuse.
And the prosecution said they did not believe 54-year-old Davies' explanation of his offences.
Lee Fish, prosecuting, explained: "He submitted a basis of plea that his purpose for obtaining and having and downloading this material was for the purpose of research because he was making a documentary on the subject.
"I make it clear the prosecution does not accept that. There is no evidence to support what the defendant says in that regard."
"The prosecution does not accept that what the defendant is is saying is true."
And Ben Campbell, defending, said Davies understood that by merely having the material he had become part of the 'market' for indecent images of children.
He said: "He became a part of that market and he accepts that."
"Other than an entirely unsimilar matter from 1983 he is a man of good character.
Judge Stephen Earl said the case was 'unusual' before adjourning it for pre-sentence reports to be prepared.
He said: "The real issue is did he or did he not possess or make them and did he have a defence for that."
The case was adjourned until; March 31, when Davies, of East View North in Sunderland, will return to court for sentencing.
He was released on bail while pre-sentence reports, which will include a 'risk analysis' were prepared.
