PC denies child porn charges

Pc Clare denies storing indecent images on his computer

A policeman from north Wales accused of possessing pornographic images of children on his computer has appeared in court to deny the charges.

PC John Derek Clare faces six charges of storing and making indecent photographs of a child under 16 on his computer.

At a hearing before Flintshire magistrates on Tuesday the 37-year-old, from Lixwm near Holywell in Flintshire, exercised his right for the case to be heard before a jury in the crown court.

Prosecuting Barrister Andrew Jebb said in view of the small number of photographs and the defendant's previous good character, it was the crown's view the matter was suitable for summary trial in the magistrates' court.

Indecent photographs

But PC Clare elected for a crown court trial and was granted unconditional bail.

He faces two charges of having indecent photographs of a child under 16-years-old on his computer between June 21 and July 3 last year.

PC Clare also faces four counts under the Protection of Children Act of making indecent photographs of children by downloading them onto his computer.

The policeman had previously received a bravery award for his actions during a gas explosion which destroyed a house in Flint.

He and another officer were at the property trying to persuade a man to come out when the blast occurred and he was thrown into the air and injured.