NIAGARA FALLS - A former Niagara Emergency Medical Services paramedic, who lost his job after being arrested on child pornography charges last year, has been sentenced to two years less a day in jail.

Andrew Caston, 47, of Niagara Falls, appeared for sentencing Friday in the Ontario Court of Justice in St. Catharines.

He didn’t say much during Friday’s proceedings except to say he understood the terms of his sentence.

He sat quietly in court with his head bowed a few times. There were several family members sitting in the courtroom during the proceedings.

During an earlier court appearance, Caston pleaded guilty to three charges – possession of child pornography, accessing child pornography, and making child pornography available.

Caston, who has been in custody since his June 2011 arrest, was given credit for the 13 months he has already spent in jail, which leaves 11 months still to be served on his sentence.

Justice David Harris said possession of child pornography is a serious offence because it’s the exploitation of children and “it occurs again and again every time it is viewed.”

The judge noted more offenders are being apprehended by police due to advances in technology and the courts have been giving jail sentences for these types of offences.

“The more aggravating factor is that he made it available to others,” said Harris.

At the time of his arrest, police seized Caston’s computer and other equipment and discovered more than 1,600 images of child pornography and six child-pornography videos. The images were mostly of girls between the ages of 10 months and 10 years.

The judge said he was concerned about Caston’s reluctance to get treatment. Even though he knew he had a problem with pornography for years, he declined to follow up with any treatment.

Caston was also given three years of probation following his sentence and some of the terms include not being in the presence of anyone under 16 years of age unless they are in the company of an adult who knows of his conviction, and he’s not to seek employment or be a volunteer that involves children under the age of 16. He is not to access or possess any adult or child pornography. He was also ordered to provide a sample of his DNA.

Caston is also prohibited from using a computer, except for work or school, and is not permitted to use one to communicate with anyone under the age of 16.

The court also ordered that some of the property that was seized be forfeited and disposed of, while other property be electronically wiped clean and be returned to him.

The Crime:

• Andrew Caston, 47, worked as a paramedic for 25 years.

• He began to view child pornography in 2004.

• He felt he had an addiction to pornography.

• He was living in Niagara Falls and was arrested in June 2011.

• He lost his job due to his charges.

• Police discovered more than 1,600 images of child pornography on his lap top computer.

• Has been convicted on three child pornography related charges.

• Sentenced two years less a day, minus his time spent in jail since his arrest, leaving an additional 11 months in custody.