A SCOUT leader has been caught with child porn he downloaded from the internet.

Alex Searle, who was a leader at the 7th Petts Wood Scout Group at the time he was arrested, also admitted to stealing thousands of pounds worth of computer games and consoles from his employer.

Following Searle's arrest on April 12, the 26-year-old was immediately suspended from the group, based in Tent Peg Lane, Petts Wood, which is made up of boys and girls aged from six to 18.

An investigation began when Searle's home in Orpington High Street was searched by police in connection with the theft of between £14,000 and £16,000 worth of computer games and equipment from the Orpington branch of Gamestation, which is in the same street and where Searle worked.

During the search on April 12, police discovered 100 printed indecent photographs of children aged between four and 16 hidden under his bed.

Searle was arrested on suspicion of possessing indecent images and two computers were seized.

A total of 66 images rated at Level 1 to Level 5 - with Level 5 the most serious in terms of indecency - were found on the hard drive of a computer and on a laptop.

At a hearing at Bromley Magistrates' Court on July 24, prosecutor Ruth Parton said Searle had admitted he made the images by opening files and printing them.

She added Searle had also said he received sexual gratification from them.

The court heard during police interview, Searle had admitted the photos belonged to him and told officers he had downloaded them from the internet.

Searle pleaded guilty to 12 counts of making indecent images when he appeared at Croydon Crown Court last Friday.

He was released on bail ahead of his sentencing hearing, which is due on December 7.

Bail conditions are that he informs police where he is living.

Searle had already pleaded guilty to the theft of between £14,000 and £16,000 worth of stock from Gamestation in Orpington.

He was given an 18-month community sentence at Croydon Crown Court on September 3.

Rhys Davies, the district commissioner for the 7th Petts Wood Group, said: "Alex Searle was suspended immediately from the Scout Association and his appointment has been cancelled.

"We are unable to comment further."