A VICAR has admitted possessing more than 1,000 indecent images of children on his computer.

Rev Trevor Charles Diaper, formerly priest in charge and then rector, of Ardleigh and Great and Little Bromley anglican churches, pleaded guilty to seven charges of making or possessing indecent photographs or films of children, which he stored on his computer.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard how police found 1,145 images when they searched Diaper's computer on June 26, 2008.

Of that number more than 60 were level four pornography - the second most serious type.

The court heard on Tuesday how Diaper, recently of St Peter's Church, St Peter's in the Field, Bocking, told police he possessed the images while he was being interviewed about the indecent assault on a girl under 14, with which he is also charged.

But Andrew Jackson, prosecuting, told the court the complainant had asked that the charges for indecent assault against Diaper be dropped.

He said: "She feels should she proceed now with the allegations they may well be detrimental to her health.

"She is content not to proceed any further."

Judge Christopher Ball QC said: "The courts often form the view that pursuing charges of this kind can do more harm than good.

"There is of course a counter argument for some complainants that it allows closure of the issue.

"Whereas here we have a complainant who is content the matter should be taken no further it is easy for the courts to endorse and support the prosecution which is what I'm happy to do."

However he said the charges would remain on the indictment until Diaper is sentenced on October 9.