A FORMER chemistry tutor's interest in images of young girls was revealed when he helped police investigating the death of 17-year-old Bolton prostitute Carly Bateman.

Robert Mitchell, aged 38, had pictures of the victim in his computer, and, keen to assist in the inquiry, allowed officers access to it.

Manchester Crown Court heard the former scientific researcher had used the girl's services and responded to a media campaign to find her killer.

He approached police, and by chance officers found a large number of pictures of girls under the age of 16 in Mitchell's computer.

Prosecutor, Darren Dunn said eight images were "grossly indecent", and some showed girls aged between 10 and 13 engaged in sex acts.

Mitchell, now a van driver, had downloaded them from the internet.

Mitchell, of Liverpool Road, Eccles, admitted eight offences of making indecent photographs of children.

He was given a three year community rehabilitation order, and must take part in a sex offenders' treatment programme.

Mitchell agreed to his computer being forfeited and must sign the Sex Offenders' Register for five years.

The court heard that he was attracted to artistic images before finding those of children and later responded to an appeal by police investigating the death of Carly.

Geoffrey Porter, aged 40, of Columbia Road, Bolton has appeared in court charged with the murder of Carly Bateman. He will stand trial later this year.