Monk admits child porn download

A monk and ex-teacher has pleaded guilty to downloading child porn from the internet.

Desmond O'Keefe, 39, of Downside Abbey, Stratton-on-the-Fosse, Somerset, admitted 16 counts of making indecent photographs of children.

He also admitted two counts of making indecent pseudo photographs of children, at Bristol Crown Court.

He was ordered to sign the sex offenders' register and given unconditional bail until sentencing.

'Deep regret'

A pre-sentence report has been requested and sentencing is due to take place on 3 September.

The dates of the offences range from 1997 to 2004.

Catholic priest O'Keefe used to teach at Downside Abbey school more than six years ago and continued to live in the community.

In a statement Abbot Richard Yeo, the Abbot of Downside said: "On behalf of the monastic community of Downside Abbey, I want to express the sorrow we all feel that this offence should have been committed and our deep regret at the scandal that has been caused."