The disability pensioner, who has previously been put on the Child Protection Register over an offence in 2004, was separated from other prisoners once they found out the charges he was facing.

Magistrate Gordon Lerve said yesterday when imposing a 10-month parole period beginning on January 29 next year that it would be a condition for O’Donnell to take part in a sex offenders’ program.

Mr Lerve said more intensive supervision was required than in 2004.

It was considered then that O’Donnell’s offending was “merely experimental” and his supervision was discontinued.

“I am quite guarded about whether the offender has insight into the real evil of his offending,” Mr Lerve said.

He said the acquisition of the gravely offensive and illegal images was something that happened over time with little thought by O’Donnell about getting them.

Mr Lerve said there was a strong case for special circumstances with O’Donnell’s sentencing considering his age, physical disabilities, the need for supervision and the fact that his sentence would be served in protective custody.

O’Donnell needs a walking frame to help with his mobility.

He was described by the parish priest at Berrigan as “a loner”.

Mr Lerve said it was concerning that a report said O’Donnell on his release intended living close to a school and swimming pool.

“Obviously appropriate measures will need to be taken to ensure that does not occur,” Mr Lerve said.

He said O’Donnell, in an interview with a forensic psychiatrist, said he would in future make a point of not saving the offensive images.

“That is a long way from denouncing the conduct and indicating that he would cease access to child pornography,” Mr Lerve said.