Worker charged over hospital porn

The material was found during routine computer checks

An NHS photographer at a children's hospital has been arrested and charged after pornographic material was allegedly found on a computer.

Leonard Cumming, 57, was arrested over material discovered at Edinburgh's Royal Hospital for Sick Children.

Lothian and Borders Police said a report would be submitted to the procurator fiscal.

Mr Cumming had earlier been suspended on full pay pending an investigation by the police and NHS Lothian.

The material was found during routine computer security monitoring at the children's hospital. Mr Cumming has declined to comment on the allegation.

A police spokesman said: "A 57-year-old man has been arrested and charged and a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal."

Speaking before Mr Cumming was arrested, Jim McCaffery, director of acute services and workforce at NHS Lothian, said: "A member of staff has been suspended from work at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children following routine computer security monitoring carried out by NHS Lothian.

Further comment

"NHS Lothian is co-operating fully with the resulting police investigation.

"As part of this process and as a standard measure I can confirm that a member of NHS Lothian staff has been excluded from work to allow a full and thorough examination of the allegations made."

Mr McCaffery said it would be "inappropriate" to make any further comment while the investigation was continuing.

A woman answering the telephone at Mr Cumming's home shortly before his arrest on Friday said he had "no comment whatsoever" to make.

Mr Cumming, who lives with his wife in the Colinton area of Edinburgh, had earlier denied the allegation when approached by The Scottish Sun newspaper.

Hospital photographers can be asked to take pictures of injuries or capture before-and-after shots of patients undergoing operations.