GILBERT John Hardwick was sentenced to a total 16 months’ imprisonment on Friday for indecent dealing with a child under 13 years, and fined a total of $1500 for possession of child pornography.

The imprisonment is backdated from April when he was first taken into custody.

While his defence argued for a suspended sentence, a psychological report indicated Mr Hardwick was schizophrenic, and showed no remorse for his crime.

It was also said in the Bunbury Court that Mr Hardwick did not intend to return to Margaret River.

He will be eligible for parole.

Child abuse prevention organisation Bravehearts was pleased with the sentence, saying that while it seemed to be a very light penalty for the crime, it sent a very clear message that the community will not tolerate such behaviour.

Mr Hardwick was first charged in 2006 when police executed a search warrant at his Tunbridge Street house and found a sophisticated computer network and storage devices containing child pornography.

Mr Hardwick will be on a register of sex offenders for 15 years.