Former Liverpool councillor in court over indecency charges

Jun 26 2008

Ben Williams leaving South Sefton magistrates Court _320

A FORMER Liverpool councillor today reappeared in court charged with downloading indecent images of children.

Ben Williams, 34, of Norris Green, appeared at South Sefton Magistrates Court, supported by friends and family who briefly held up proceedings as they filed into the public gallery.

The history tutor, is accused of 12 counts of making indecent images over a year-long period by using internet websites which include Google Images and Youtube.

He was released on bail and will appear in court again on August 12 at Liverpool Crown Court, where he is expected to plead not guilty.

Williams was arrested last December by officers from Sefton Family Crime Unit and eight computers were seized in the inquiry.

A Labour councillor at the time, he agreed to self-suspend himself while the investigation was carried out.

He is alleged to have made the images between December 13, 2006, and December 17, 2007.