Last updated at 15:27, Tuesday, 30 March 2010

A west Cumbrian vicar has been charged with alleged child porn offences.

The Rev Peter Benson

The Reverend Peter Leslie Benson, 49, was appearing in court today after being charged by detectives following an investigation stretching back into last year.

Benson, named as the vicar of the parish of Brigham on the Diocese of Carlisle website, was arrested some months ago and answered bail yesterday following the police probe.

He is charged with 12 counts of making indecent photos and pseudo photos of children.

Benson, whose address was Little Broughton at the time of his arrest, was due to appear before Whitehaven Magistrates Court this  morning.

His arrest last year followed an inquiry led by Cumbria Constabulary’s public protection unit.

He was subsequently bailed as further investigations were carried out before being charged yesterday.

Benson was kept in custody ahead of the court hearing today.

The Diocese of Carlisle was unavailable for comment this morning.

First published at 15:26, Tuesday, 30 March 2010
Published by http://www.whitehaven-news.co.uk