A MUSSELBURGH school worker who was caught with indecent images of children has been placed on the sex offenders' register.

Martin Geddes, 38, was working at Broughton Primary School in Edinburgh as a support assistant when police were handed information regarding the downloading of indecent images of children from Geddes' address.

Geddes, of New Street, had his laptop confiscated during a police search of his home and he told officers he had not seen any images and that he was not responsible for the pictures found on the computer.

Police discovered more than 100 images of varying levels of indecency, along with 17 movies featuring child abuse.

Defence solicitor Peter Winning said that his client was a first offender and the social work report suggested an alternative to custody.

Sheriff Norman McFadyen agreed to the request and told Geddes he would be under supervision for the next three years.

The sheriff also placed him on the sex offenders' register for the same period.

Geddes admitted possessing indecent photographs of children at his home address between September 28, 2014, and March 9 last year when he originally appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court last month.

He returned for sentencing at the capital court yesterday (Wednesday).

Geddes was also ordered to complete 240 hours of unpaid work in the community and he will also have to attend the 'Moving Forward Making Changes' programme for three years.

It is understood that there is no connection between the offences committed by Geddes and the work he carried out at the Edinburgh school.

Geddes no longer works for Broughton Primary School or the City of Edinburgh Council.

A city council spokesman said: “The safety and welfare of our children is paramount; however, it would be inappropriate to comment on individual cases."