A paedophile pensioner from Llandudno directed online, via Skype, the sexual abuse of children nearly 7,000 miles away in the Philippines, a court heard on Thursday.

Caernarfon crown court was told Peter Booth, aged 74, of St Andrew’s Avenue, Llandudno, made 250 payments involving £19,400 to eight recipients in the Philippines between September 2015 and last June. He claimed he gave financial support to a “ladyboy”.

But prosecuting counsel Richard Edwards said: "The defendant was involved in directing sexual abuse for his own sexual gratification”.

Booth, described as having a “deep-rooted sexual interest in children,” was jailed for seven years and four months. A sexual harm prevention order was made.

The pensioner admitted causing or inciting the sexual exploitation of children aged six and nine. He also pleaded guilty to distributing child porn, taking an indecent video of a child, and making hundreds of indecent images and videos.

Mr Edwards said police received intelligence that child porn was being uploaded at Booth’s home and they seized a laptop and phone. He’d used a chatroom called “Chat Avenue” for two years and was involved in “sexualised” messages.

Two videos revealed perverted contact on Skype and the abuse of two naked Asian girls, aged about six and nine.

Judge Timothy Petts told Booth: "Until this offending came to light you were of good character, something you have thrown away by your actions and also destroyed the relationship you had with virtually all your family. This is entirely of your own making.”

Defence barrister Matthew Curtis said Booth had been married.

Following his arrest, he’d attempted to take his own life, and he was very unwell now.

“These offences are disgusting to all right-minded individuals,” the lawyer accepted.

“There’s a very real possibility that even the shortest sentence could mean he will die in prison,” Mr Curtis added.

Investigating Officer PC Chelsea Symonds-Roberts of the North Wales Police Online Investigation Team said “We welcome the sentence, which reinforces our commitment to tackle child abuse, irrespective of the manner in which it presents itself.

“Individuals such as Booth who pay to watch the live abuse of children fund a sex industry where the child is treated as a sexual and commercial object trapped in modern slavery.

“North Wales Police work closely with partner agencies and are proactive in the apprehension and prosecution of those who are involved in all forms of child abuse. Those who seek to exploit the internet for such vile acts are monitored and will be prosecuted. ”

If you have concerns about anyone who may be involved in possession of child abuse material, contact North Wales Police on 101 or alternatively via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.