TWO men have admitted charges of making and distributing indecent pictures of children.

Ian Margetts, 29, of Turnberry Close, Bicester, pleaded guilty to distributing indecent photographs of children between May 29, 2001 and March 20 this year, and making indecent pictures between November 17, 2001, and January 17.

Michael Hartrey, 34, of Sigrist Square, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, pleaded guilty to charges of distributing indecent photographs of children between May 29, 2001, and March 20.

Bill White, prosecuting, told Bicester magistrates that the evidence related to a chat room known as the Round Table. Margetts and Hartrey were the only known UK members.

He said: "The defendants were able to access each other's computers and swap photographs and photographic stories."

He said both defendants had thousands of pictures depicting child abuse.

Defending Hartrey, Howard Wilson said: "It was a closed chat room and you had to be invited in. The general public did not have access and all members used pseudo names."

Both men have been remanded on conditional bail and were committed to Oxford Crown Court for sentence on Monday, May 20.