Michael Tombs, who advised on child protection issues and is a former school governor, told police he had downloaded the 396 images out of 'curiosity'.
Mr Tombs appeared at Doncaster Crown Court last Wednesday (15 July), where he was also barred from working with children until further notice. He will remain on the Sex Offenders Register for seven years.
Mr Tombs, who ran his own childcare business, Michael Tombs Childcare Services, had also been employed as a sessional worker at Doncaster Council, where he was involved in playgroups and holiday schemes, and as a trainer by Common Threads, a not-for-profit training organisation specialising in children's play.
Recorder Andrew Campbell QC, who sentenced Mr Tombs, said, 'It is as stark a difference between your working and personal life as a court has ever come across. You have brought shame upon yourself and your family.'
