A child welfare worker who led a secret life as the defacto boss of a paedophile syndicate was caught after international authorities busted one of his perverted pals.

Former Families SA employee Shannon McCoole, 32, faced court in Adelaide on Friday over his role in operating a website contained more than 50,000 images of child porn he believed was 'helping' other paedophiles.

Australian police discovered McCoole's organisation with the help of European police in May 2014, shortly before he was arrested for offences against seven children, six of whom were in his care, according to News Corp Australia.

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Former Families SA employee Shannon McCoole, 32, faced court in Adelaide on Friday over his role in creating a website contained more than 50,000 images of child porn he believed was 'helping' other paedophiles

A camera found by Danish police investigating another man in relation to a paedophile ring was later discovered at McCoole's home, along with 100,000 still images and 600 video files of child exploitation material.

McCoole was believed to have attempted to hide his identity in the photos of him abusing children, however police were able to catch him by matching fingerprints from the photographs.

When McCoole appeared in Adelaide's District Court on Friday, he apologised for his 'inexcusable' crimes after pleading guilty to multiple sex offences, according to Nine News.

One of the children the 32-year-old abused was aged just 18 months at the time of the incident.

McCoole attempted to hide his identity in the photos of him abusing children, however police were able to catch him by matching fingerprints from the photographs

McCoole was a child welfare worker with Families South Australia

'It's hard to explain why I committed these crimes,' McCoole said.

'My actions were inexcusable. I was supposed to be protecting you.'

The court was also told McCoole hoped to one day work with children again, according to Nine.

When McCoole appeared in Adelaide's District Court on Friday, he apologised for his 'inexcusable' crimes after pleading guilty to multiple sex offences

It also heard shocking details of McCoole's ring, which required 'members' to share new images at least once a month or be kicked out of the group.

Members who posted more images rose higher in the group, which according to court documents, included 'thousands' of people.

A woman linked to one of the victims said she had never encountered anyone like McCoole.

People linked to McCoole's victims spoke to media outside Adelaide court on Friday

'It was a horrible thing to face a man of that depravity, I've never had to see a person that evil in my life,' the woman said.

'Anyone with a decent heart really, it's affected everyone,' another man said.

Judge Paul Rice read a post McCoole published congratulating his executive members for having a successful year, accompanied by images of him abusing young children.