Ex-officer on child porn charges

A former police officer and a council care worker have appeared in court charged in connection with internet child pornography.

They were arrested along with 17 others including teachers and a pastor.

Paul Hook, 32, of Maidstone, the former policeman, faces 22 counts of making indecent images of children and one of distributing indecent images.

Care worker Paul Galvin, 47, of Friars Way, Dover, is charged with 29 counts of making indecent images of children.

Mr Hook appeared at Maidstone Magistrates' Court on Friday and Mr Galvin appeared before Dover magistrates.

Both were remanded in custody until 11 June, when they must appear before magistrates again.

Over the past three days, 22 warrants were issued as part of Operation Ore, Kent Police said on Friday.

The other 17 people had been bailed or are in custody.

A suspended Metropolitan Police officer was among the detainees.