Dudley News
Former cllr charged with child and animal porn offences
2:16pm Tuesday 7th February 2012
A FORMER councillor has appeared in court this morning charged with child and animal pornography offences.
Robert Bate, of Moncrieffe Close, Dudley, was a Tory councillor for Wycombe District Council, in Buckinghamshire, until he resigned from his post in September last year and returned to the Dudley borough.
Appearing at Wycombe Magistrates, the 62 year-old, who was also former chairman of Hazlemere Parish Council, is charged with 17 counts of making indecent photos of children and is also accused of four counts of distributing indecent images of children and one charge of possessing to show or distribute indecent photographs of children.
The ex-Conservative party whip is also charged with possessing extreme pornographic images with animals.
During the hearing Bate spoke only to confirm his name and address, and did not indicate a plea.
He has been released on unconditional bail and is due to appear back before magistrates on April 3.