A man has been spared a spell behind bars after he was found with indecent pictures of children.
Police went to Vincent Ash's home in Sunderland in November 2018 and carried out a search.
They seized a number of devices, including a laptop, which had two category A videos - the most serious type - as well as two category B photos and four category C pictures, it was said at Newcastle Crown Court.
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Prosecutor Omar Ahmad said the videos showed children aged between 14 and 16 engaging in sexual activity.
Officers also discovered Skype and Zoom conversations where Ash "openly discussed child abuse with other users".
The defendant had received the category C images during a Skype chat from an unknown user, it was said.
Ash, 35, of Thornlea Court, Thornhill, Sunderland, pleaded guilty to three offences of making indecent images of children between November 2013 and 2018.
The court was told that he had no previous convictions or cautions.
Fiona Lamb, defending, said probation reports recommended he was given rehabilitation activities to carry out and he "could safely be managed in the community". She urged the judge to suspend any custodial sentence.
Judge Edward Bindloss took into account that Ash was of previous good character and had pleaded guilty to the charges at an early opportunity.
It was also said the defendant had worked throughout his adult life, had a "strong work ethic" and was in a stable relationship.
Ash was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years, and was ordered to carry out rehabilitation activities. A 10-year sexual harm prevention order was also made.
Judge Bindloss said: "You are an intelligent man, you are a hard worker. This court never wants to see you again."
