Web porn accused appears in court

This photo of Mark Bedford is from a 2002-03 yearbook

The case of a Canadian man accused of duping British girls into stripping off and performing sex acts over a webcam has been adjourned.

Mark Gary Bedford, 21, of Kingston in Ontario, appeared via video link at a five minute hearing at the town's Court of Justice on Friday.

He was remanded in custody and will appear in court in person on Monday.

Kent Police expect charges relating to up to 42 young girls from west Kent to be brought against Mr Bedford.

British authorities became involved after a concerned parent contacted police in April. The defendant now faces 16 charges.

Joint operation

These include four counts of extortion, two counts of communicating with a minor for the purpose of child pornography, and two counts of possessing child pornography.

Mr Bedford is also charged with three counts of making to print and publicise child pornography and two counts of making to print and publicise child porn.

In addition, he is charged with sexual assault, mischief of property and impersonating with intent.

Mr Bedford was arrested last month in a joint operation between Kent Police and Canadian authorities.