A CHILD protection charity has called on internet providers to clamp down on those who use their services to access “vile” images of children being abused.

It comes after Southampton man Ryan Maidment was given a suspended sentence after “trading” dozens of the images with other sex offenders online.

Now bosses at charity the NSPCC are calling for internet providers to take “greater responsibility” for what’s shared on their platforms.

An NSPCC spokesperson said: “Maidment traded and concealed dozens of images, behind some of which was a story of abuse and pain inflicted on children.

"The internet is being used to access such vile content far too frequently, and the NSPCC is calling for providers to take greater responsibility for what’s shared on their platforms, as this serious matter cannot be left to the police alone.”

The call comes after Southampton man Ryan Maidment was caught with “sickening” images of young girls and asked others to share them.

The 20-year-old was caught with dozens of indecent images of some young girls – the youngest thought to be aged between four to six years old.

Maidment, who was aged between 17 and 18 at the time of his offending, also “traded” images with other paedophiles via an online chat site and used a mobile application aimed at hiding private photographs or videos.

Maidment admitted three counts of possession of indecent images, ranging from category A to C, and three counts of distributing indecent images, again ranging from category A to C.

In mitigation, Gemma White said Maidment was an “isolated” teenager at the time of the offences and had spent much of his time gaming.

Judge Peter Henry imposed an 18 month prison sentence, suspended for two years.

He also put an order of 160 hours of unpaid work, ordered Maidment to complete the Horizon programme and 20 days or rehabilitation activity requirement.

Maidment was also made the subject of notification requirements and a sexual harm prevention order and ordered to pay costs of £670.