Former mayor faces child porn trial

Mr Morgan arrived at court with his wife Nikki

A former elected mayor has been committed for trial, charged with child pornography offences.

Former North Tyneside mayor, Chris Morgan, 34, appeared at South Tyneside magistrates court in South Shields on Wednesday.

Mr Morgan faces five counts of making indecent images or pseudo-images of children, contrary to the 1978 Protection of Children Act.

He pleaded not guilty to all five charges.

Magistrates granted him unconditional bail.

Mr Morgan's 2002 win in the constituency of the then transport secretary Stephen Byers, brought the Conservatives one of their first mayoral election victories.