A NETHERTON man who uses children's underwear for sexual gratification has avoided jail.

Kevin Plant was made the subject of a five year Sexual Harm Protection Order in 2010 after 3,756 pairs of girl's knickers taken from washing lines were found in his home.

As part of the order the 48-year-old, who admitted he had a preference for young girls, was told he must have no contact with any child under 16 years of age.

But when a visit was paid to his home in Baptist End Road, 13 bin bags full of girl's knickers were found and that was a matter for great concern, said Oliver Woolhouse, prosecuting.

Mr Woolhouse told Wolverhampton Crown Court that a new 10 year order was made against Plant, which prohibited him from acquiring any item of children's clothing.

His status was increased to "high risk" so more regular visits were made to his home but when the flat was checked again five pairs of children's underwear were recovered.

Plant admitted breaching the order and Judge James Burbidge QC made a new three year order with a condition he attended a sex offenders group programme.

The judge said it was clear Plant was having difficulty resolving his problems despite being given assistance in the past and added: "You still seem determined to obtain children's underwear and you use if for your own sexual gratification. The concern of the court is that children are safe from you."

He told Plant it was clear he had expected to be sent straight into custody because he had come to the court with a bag containing personal items.

But he said that rather than make him serve a short term in custody it was more important - "for the protection of the public" - for him to receive treatment to curb any future offending.