A patient at a therapeutic hostel was found with child abuse images on a tablet computer after staff spotted him trying to hide the device under his bed.
Antony Turner, aged 19, was ordered to receive supervision after a Judge told him the public would be best protected by him receiving help and treatment.
He was a resident at the hostel in Topsham when he was found with images of children as young as two and three last month.
Turner, of Seabrook, Topsham, admitted five counts of making indecent images and was made subject of a three year community order by Recorder Mr Edward Burgess at Exeter Crown Court.
He has already spent almost a month in jail awaiting sentence.
He told him:"It is important that you understand this is a serious crime. It involved terrible exploitation of children as young as two or three and the things done to them are unspeakable.
"They are done so people can publish the images on the internet and you are encouraging them to do that by looking at this material. The courts have to stop people doing that to prevent children suffering in this way.
"I acknowledge you have problems and you need to have the proper help and therapeutic intervention."
Mr Gordon Richings, prosecuting, said the images were found on a tablet computer after staff at the hostel became suspicious because they saw Turner hurriedly hiding it as they came into his room.
Police found still and moving images of children being abused.
Mr Lee Bremridge, defending, said Turner has problems which have been exacerbated by the partial withdrawal of support when he reached the age of 18.
He said new arrangements are being put in place to restore the level of treatment and therapy which he needs and this will be the best way of ensuring he does not offend again.
