Ex-Conservative Party campaign manager appears in court to face child abuse image charges

A former Conservative Party campaign manager has appeared in court today, charged with a string of offences relating to indecent images of children.

Mark Andrew Lerigo appeared at Coventry Magistrates' Court on Thursday, charged with eight counts, including distributing indecent images of children.

The 49-year-old gave no indication of a plea when he appeared before magistrates in the socially-distanced courtroom.

Lerigo was suspended by the Conservative Party after the allegations came to light when he was charged following a National Crime Agency (NCA) inquiry.

Former Conservative Party campaign manager Mark Andrew Lerigo, 49, (pictured) appeared at Coventry Magistrates' Court on Thursday, charged with distributing indecent images of children

Lerigo, of William Bristow Road, Coventry, faces two counts of distributing indecent images of children, three counts of making indecent images of children, one count of possessing extreme pornography involving animals.

The former Conservative Party Midlands regional press officer also faces a charge of possessing prohibited images of children, and one of publishing an obscene article, the NCA said.

Magistrates granted Lerigo unconditional bail to appear at Warwick Crown Court on July 24.

Wearing, a light blue checked shirt and dark blue trousers, Lerigo covered his face after he left court following the short hearing.

Earlier this month, the Conservative Party confirmed that Lerigo had been suspended from the party with immediate effect, pending the outcome of judicial proceedings.

Earlier this month, the Conservative Party confirmed that Lerigo had been suspended from the party with immediate effect, pending the outcome of judicial proceedings

A Conservative Party spokesman said: 'Mr Lerigo has been suspended from the party with immediate effect, pending the outcome of judicial proceedings.'

He was a campaign manager for the Conservative Party at the 2017 general election and for the Britain Stronger In Europe group during the EU referendum.

Previously, a spokeswoman for the NCA said: 'A campaign manager for the Conservative Party has been charged with online child sexual abuse offences after a NCA investigation.

'Mark Lerigo, 49, of Coventry will appear at the city's magistrates' court on 25 June to face two counts of distributing indecent images of children, three counts of making indecent images of children, one count of possessing extreme pornography involving animals, one count of possessing prohibited images of children and one count of publishing an obscene article.'