Ben Leapman appeared at Dartford Magistrates' Court

by Alan Watkins

A journalist who helped expose MPs fiddling their expenses has appeared at Dartford Magistrates' Court accused of internet child abuse offences.

Ben Leapman, former deputy news editor of the Sunday Telegraph, spent four years battling to get the House of Commons to come clean on their spending.

He was also blogging widely on the Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph websites before leaving the company in December.

He has been remanded on bail after being charged with possessing and publishing obscene and pornographic articles on an internet chat log.

Leapman gave his full name as Benjamin Nathan Leapman, of Aldebert Terrace, South Lambeth, Vauxhall.

Kent Police said officers from the force arrested Leapman on Monday, November 26.

North Kent magistrates adjourned the case until March 18 when committal proceedings to Maidstone Crown Court are due to take place. He has not entered a plea.

Leapman, 42, spoke to give his name, address, and birth date. The allegations relate to nine offences over a period from July 13, 2008 to November 26, 2011 - one which is said to have involved discussing the abuse of a child of pre-school age.

One of these charges was put to him at his court appearance this week. It alleged that on November 26 he possessed an extreme pornographic image that was grossly offensive, disgusting or otherwise of an obscene nature.

The remaining charges relate to publishing obscene articles on a "chat log" (four charges) and four offences of making indecent photographs of children - one at the second highest level.

Jenny Yale, prosecuting, said the case was outside the court's sentencing powers.

It is understood to be only the second case involving chat logs in this country. It follows a test case heard at Maidstone Crown Court before Judge Philip St John-Stevens.

He said questions were raised about whether a log on the internet seen by one person could be considered an obscene publication.

The court amended Leapman's bail conditions to enable him to use a computer "for legal recreation and work purposes".