Offender expert on porn charges

Mr Barron appeared at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court

An expert who helped set up a blacklist of violent sex offenders has appeared in court on pornography charges.

Vincent Barron, 48, appeared at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court last month and was released on bail to an address in Country Durham.

Mr Barron, a Probation Service worker, was seconded to London to help set up the Violent and Sex Offender Register.

He made no plea or declaration and the case was continued for further examination.

The national computer database ViSOR contains details of sex offenders and violent criminals who may pose a serious risk to the public.

It has emerged that Mr Barron appeared at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court on charges of possession of indecent images, and taking or permitting to be taken, or distributing, indecent images.

A spokeswoman for the Crown Office explained that the report to the procurator fiscal had been submitted by Fife Police.

The Home Office confirmed that a member of staff involved in the ViSOR programme has been suspended.