A webcam pervert with what a judge called a “depraved and highly disturbing” sexual interest in children has been jailed for six years and two months.

Daniel Owen, 23, of Penysarn Fawr, Penysarn, Anglesey, will be referred to the Parole Board for consideration of his release, two-thirds into the sentence, but his licence period was extended by three years.

Caernarfon crown court had heard the paedophile carried out revolting acts on camera in front of children and had received child porn including videos described as the most “disturbing” available. Judge Huw Rees said they showed the “sadistic, violent and sexual torture” of a tot.

“Its very existence is beyond words,” the judge declared.

Owen had worked on a caravan site and was a loner, the court heard. He must register as a sex offender for life and a sexual harm prevention order was made.

“You don’t suffer any significant mental illness. However, the psychiatrist says you were socially isolated,” Judge Rees told him. Owen had early experience of exposing himself to adults on the internet, he added.

The judge said Owen’s guilty pleas to serious sexual offences involving children underlined his “deviant and well-embedded sexual interest in children.”

Defence barrister Elen Owen said his offending was camera to camera and he had stored material. None of the children had been identified and assessing their exact ages was extremely difficult.

Counsel said Owen had been “totally frank” and relieved when he was caught. “In his case there’s a real possibility with expert treatment his risk to children could be controlled and lessened,” she added.

Prosecuting barrister Dafydd Roberts said more than 36,000 images were discovered by police when they searched his home last October.

Mr Roberts said: "A preview indicated a substantial number contained indecent images of children.”

Owen admitted 13 offences. They included causing a child to watch a sexual act and to engage in sexual activity and making indecent images of youngsters.

The prosecutor said Owen told police he had obtained indecent images from the “dark web” and had destroyed a hard drive containing filth because he knew it was wrong.

He’d also used a video chat app. In one recorded online conversation he had been bare-chested and in touch with two boys, and a girl aged about six.

On another occasion, a girl of 13 told him after he did a disgusting act: "Oh my God, that’s going to scar me for life.”