A former Catholic priest has been sentenced to four years in prison by the Landgericht Fulda for severe sexual abuse of children without physical contact.

The court found the 43-year-old guilty of 68 charges, primarily involving the possession and distribution of child pornography.

The priest used a video chat platform to show explicit material to children, encouraging them to engage in sexual acts.

Despite his defense's argument for a lighter sentence, citing his lack of prior convictions and expressed remorse, the court emphasized the gravity of the offenses.

The prosecution had sought a four-and-a-half-year sentence, while the defense argued for a suspended sentence.

The defense has announced plans to appeal the verdict.