Fake child porn expert sentenced

Bates gave evidence at a trial connected to the Soham murders

An electronics expert who lied in court about his qualifications has been given a six-month suspended sentence.

A trial in March heard that Terence James Bates, 67, from Nevill Holt, Leicestershire, claimed he had a degree but he had never studied at university.

Bates specialised in cases involving internet child pornography.

He was given six months for each of five counts - four of making false written statements and one count of perjury - suspended for two years.

His trial at Leicester Crown Court heard Bates had appeared as a witness for the defence of Brian Stevens, the Soham murders detective cleared of child pornography offences.

However it was not suggested that Bates' evidence had adversely affected the outcome of any trials.

In police interviews he said he thought he was entitled to claim the degree because of his RAF training at the start of his career.