A prolific paedophile who hoarded 17,500 obscene images and filmed children as young as three has been jailed indefinitely after a case at Wolverhampton Crown Court.

Paul Gardner, aged 31, of South Road, Smethwick, downloaded thousands of indecent images from a Russian website as well as preying on Black Country children.

The 31-year-old posed as a computer repair man and offered to tidy gardens and play football with young boys around the Oldbury area in his quest to contact vulnerable children.

Judge Nicholas Webb ordering he serve a minimum of three years and 174 days in jail.

Mr Bernard Linnemann, prosecuting, said Gardner was caught after a father in Sussex discovered his 13-year-old son was talking to him using the internet.

After a string of messages in which Gardner threatened to “get revenge”.

Computer equipment containing 17,500 indecent images was discovered.

Eight Black Country children who were filmed included a young teenager who made a suicide attempt after being targeted by Gardner.

Indecent footage of young brothers was filmed by Gardner after he came to repair a computer at their parents’ home, and three boys were also recorded after being lured onto some wasteland in Oldbury.

Mr Stephen Blower, defending, said Gardner had an isolated childhood which led to interest in children.

Gardner admitted 34 charges of offences against children, including 21 for downloading indecent images and 13 for causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and taking indecent pictures.