A MAN has admitted downloading a catalogue of depraved images - including clips of sex acts being performed on an OCTOPUS.

Tasmanian Rodney Scott McLagan, 48, had a collection of more than 30,000 images and video files involving sexual acts with children, dogs, ponies, snakes, tigers and an octopus when he was caught.

Today, he pleaded guilty in Hobart's Supreme Court to possessing child exploitation material and bestiality products.

Beast

Police swooped on the office equipment worker's home on January 6 last year and found the images on computers and discs.

Crown prosecutor Jane Williams said children featured in the vile haul included boys and girls aged from as young as five up to 15-years-old.

Defence lawyer David Barclay said single McLagan had little or no interest in child pornography.

He told the court that the images were downloaded along with the bestiality material in bulk.

Mr Barclay said: "In respect of the child exploitation material while there's a lot of it he only looked at 20 per cent.

"He searched the internet for the bestiality material but there was no active search for the child exploitation material."

McLagan downloaded the bestiality images due to a personality disorder, he said, as a result of low self-esteem meaning that he identified himself "some sort of beast".

Mr Barclay said: "It explains how he sees himself and why he commits this type of offence."

McLagan was bailed to reappear for sentencing on July 17