Michael James Paul Little, 52, appeared in Port Macquarie Local Court for sentencing on Monday.

He had already pleaded guilty and been convicted of possessing two downloaded videos and a number of pornographic stories.

The video images depicted children under the age of 16 engaging in sexual activities; the text files described children under the age of 16 engaging in sexual acts.

A memory stick with the downloaded information was found at Little's workplace and handed to police.

In sentencing, magistrate Wayne Evans took into consideration Little's otherwise clean record, health issues and his age.

But, Mr Evans said, the information was used for self-gratification and where children were depicted "there were victims".

The fines were intended as a deterrent against the child pornography market and, Mr Evans said, defenceless children, overseas and locally, needed to be protected.

Little lost his job after the information was discovered. His lawyer said Little was depressed and ashamed of the conviction.