A YOUNG Alresford woman has pleaded guilty to a string of serious pornography charges.

The trial of Amy Hickson, of Greys Farm Close, New Cheriton, was due to begin today at Winchester Crown Court.

But just before a jury was sworn in, the 20-year-old suddenly admitted 13 charges, involving a total of 1,129 images.

These comprised nine counts of making an indecent photograph or pseudo-photograph of a child, two of possessing extreme pornographic images involving animals, and two of possessing prohibited images of children.

Two of the counts each referred to over 500 images.

All the offences occurred between May 2012 and February 2013.

Hickson spoke only to confirm her name and to quietly say “guilty” to each of the charges, as they were read out to her.

Her barrister Andrew Turton said: “She’s of good character.

“She’s now 20, but was 17 at the time these offences were committed.”

Deferring sentence until March 6, Judge Susan Evans told Hickson: “You will receive some credit for the guilty pleas you have entered today, I’m not going to say how much at this stage.

“I’m going to adjourn this case for a pre-sentence report.

“It’s no indication of how you are going to be dealt with, all options will be open to the court.”

Hickson was given conditional bail.