Greater Manchester PC faces charges over 1,500 child abuse images Published duration 23 November 2017

image copyright Geograph/Ian Taylor image caption PC Kelly faces a trial at Preston Crown Court in April

A police officer has appeared in court accused of possessing and distributing over 1,500 indecent images of children.

PC Lee Vincent Kelly denied seven counts, including one concerning the possession of two images portraying rape, at Preston Crown Court.

The charges against the Greater Manchester Police officer, who has been suspended from duty, relate to alleged offences between 2009 and 2016.

He was bailed to face trial at the same court in April.

Mr Kelly is accused of making 1,486 indecent images, including 249 that fall into the most serious category, and possessing a further 55 prohibited images of a child.

Judge Mark Brown granted an order banning the publication of the 49-year-old's address and photograph.