Former Tory Party campaign manager in court accused of distributing images of children
A former Conservative Party campaign manager has appeared before magistrates charged with distributing indecent images of children.
Mark Lerigo, who was suspended by his party after being charged following a National Crime Agency (NCA) inquiry, appeared at Coventry Magistrates' Court on Thursday.
The 49-year-old gave no indication of plea when he appeared before magistrates in a socially-distanced courtroom.
Lerigo was a campaign manager for the Tories at the 2017 general election and for the Britain Stronger In Europe group during the EU referendum.
He has been working as a press officer for the Conservatives in the West Midlands in recent weeks
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.
He 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.
The Conservative Party confirmed earlier this month that Lerigo had been suspended from the party with immediate effect, pending the outcome of judicial proceedings.
