A PAEDOPHILE has admitted making dozens of sexual videos and photographs of young children.

Michael Powell, 27, had at least 46 videos and 11 images stored at his home in Watchet and shared them with others.

Powell, of Helwell Green, pleaded guilty to six counts of making indecent photographs of a child and 12 counts of distributing indecent photographs of a child when he appeared at Taunton Crown Court this week.

The court heard that Powell’s illegal activity took place between March 2011 and April 2012.

Powell was also charged with possessing an extreme pornographic image relating to sexual activity with an animal, which he denied.

During the brief hearing on Monday (March 17), Gordon Richings, acting on behalf of the Crown Prosecution Service, said the pleas were accepted, meaning the denied charge is likely to lie on file.

Powell appeared in the dock wearing a black suit, white shirt and red and white striped tie.

He spoke only to confirm his name and to enter pleas to the 19 charges.

Patrick Mason, defending, said his client was of “previous good character” and requested a pre-sentence report is prepared detailing Powell’s background to assist when the judge passes sentence next month.

Judge David Ticehurst told Powell: “Let me make clear that all options are open to the judge who sentences you, including an immediate prison sentence.

“No promises are being held open to you just because I am adjourning it for a pre-sentence report.”

Powell was granted bail and is due to appear next at Taunton Crown Court on April 15.