Callum Powell, 34, had 11 million followers in a group that posts parkour videos online.
He downloaded the “most serious category” Category A images for his own sexual gratification, the judge said.
Powell was part of Storror, seven athletes who make films about their exploits in running, jumping and hurdles.
He was given a suspended sentence today (July 17) after Brighton Magistrates’ Court heard “he has lost everything”.
Callum Powell arrives at Brighton Magistrates Court today (Image: Sussex News and Photos)
Powell was described as a popular and well-known face in Brighton who now has to wear a disguise in public. He was ordered to wear a gray hooded sweatshirt.
The court heard he was “shunned” by former friends and colleagues with whom he had worked for 20 years.
In a statement in May, Storror’s group said it became aware of matters involving Powell on May 7 and removed him from the group “effective immediately.”
Powell fidgeted nervously in the dock as the verdict was handed down.
District Judge Amanda Kelly told Powell he had gained international fame through his online activities.
Judge Kelly told him: “You initially denied that you deliberately sought out these types of images for your own sexual gratification and suggested that you may have acquired them by accident because you were using an artificial intelligence program that removes clothing from images you downloaded from Instagram.
“However, you soon admitted that you obtained sexual gratification from images of children and pleaded guilty to all offences.”
Powell collected the images over a two-year period, the court heard.
The judge told him she accepted his remorse.
“You are truly sorry for the harm caused to the children in the images you viewed,” she said.
Although Powell did not directly abuse children, his behavior contributed to the abuse and exploitation of actual children, the judge said.
He uploaded truly disgusting images of very young children being subjected to horrific violence, the judge said.
“Every viewing of such material perpetuates the market for such abuse and contributes to the ongoing harm caused to the children depicted,” she said.
The judge said Powell demonstrated sexual interest in children over a significant period of time.
Amy Fraser, prosecuting, said Powell’s bedroom was searched after police were alerted to indecent images of children being downloaded using a Google account linked to him.
The digital files included images of children as young as six years old.
He was arrested in June last year and four devices were confiscated.
Powell used an iPhone, a hard drive and two SD memory cards to store 2,649 category C images, 105 category B images, 178 category A images, one bestiality image and one prohibited image of a child.
“It was a large collection of images spread across multiple devices,” Ms Fraser said.
Steve Wedd, defending, said Powell had lost everything since admitting his crimes.
“In May he pleaded guilty on all counts, completely, openly, without cavil,” he said.
“It has destroyed his personal life since then.
“He lost everything.
“His good name, his friendship, 20 years of friendship in Storror.
“He was a remarkable man with 11 million followers worldwide, a turnover of US$60,000 a year and three billion views online.”
All videos featuring Powell have been removed from Storror’s website.
“He lost all his close-knit group friendships,” Mr Wedd said.
“They fired him emotionally and commercially.
“This went on for 20 years, but two years of stupidity brought it to naught.”
Mr. Wedd said former fans even burned a book written by Powell.
Wedd said he is making efforts to combat illegal behavior.
His former Storror bandmates called his offense a “betrayal”.
A statement from Parkour UK, the sport’s national governing body, said: “Parkour UK is appalled by the offenses admitted by Callum Powell at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 7 May.
“There can be no place for such disgusting behavior and our thoughts are with everyone affected.
Powell hid his face behind sunglasses and a mask. (Image: Sussex News and Photos)
“We condemn any action that abuses power and influence to exploit vulnerable populations.
“Protection is fundamental to our sport and we take our responsibilities in this area seriously.
“We know this news is deeply upsetting for many people in our community.
“This is a stark reminder of the importance of constant vigilance and ongoing action to protect everyone associated with our sport.”
Powell was sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for a year.
He was ordered to complete 15 days of rehabilitation activities.
A sexual harm prevention order means he will not be able to use social media or have any internet-enabled device without first notifying police for the next five years.
He will also be on the sex offenders register for ten years.
Powell was also given 28 days to pay costs of ÂŁ85 and a victim surcharge of ÂŁ187.