Councillor fined for laptop porn

A former councillor has been fined after being convicted of possessing and making indecent images of children which were found on his council laptop.

Michael Angell, 61, who sat on Malvern Hills District Council for the Liberal Democrats, was given a six-month prison sentence suspended for two years.

Sentencing him, Judge David McEvoy said part of his punishment was being exposed as "a dirty old man".

The grandfather, of King Edward's Road, Malvern, was fined £2,500 in total.

He was convicted of 11 counts of making indecent images of children and one of possessing indecent photographs.

'Improper use'

He must also complete a community programme, sign the sex offenders register for seven years and pay costs of £4,903.

Last month when Angell was convicted, Malvern Hills District Council said the authority took its responsibility to children, young people and vulnerable adults "very seriously".

A statement said: "At the time of the incident which led to the trial the council offered all of its councillors a loan of a computer so that they could better fulfil their roles as councillors.

"Strict guidelines were in place saying the laptops were only to be used for council business.

"The improper use of the computer by Mr Angell was discovered because of procedures the council had in place.

"The council immediately notified the police and has supported and assisted them in the investigation throughout."