A QUIZMASTER who faces charges relating to indecent images of children has had his case adjourned to assess whether he is 'fit to plead'.
Wearing a suit and tie, Marc Knowles did not enter pleas when he appeared at Worcester Crown Court yesterday.
We have previously reported how Knowles, 35, is alleged to have made 56 indecent photographs of a child at category A (the most serious category), between February 18 and December 20, 2017.
Knowles is also charged with making 215 indecent photographs of a child at category B between the same dates, and 572 indecent photographs of a child at category C between November 1 and December 20, 2017.
Knowles, who until recently was a 'quizmaster' at pubs around Worcester including the New Inn in Ombersley Road and The Talbot in Barbourne, is also charged with possessing seven prohibited images of children on December 20, 2017. Knowles of Saunders Street, Worcester, also worked at the post office in Ombersley Road until recently.
Knowles indicated no plea at an earlier hearing at Worcester Magistrates Court.
Judith Kenney, for Knowles, said at the hearing at crown court: "I need to seek some professional assistance with a view to whether he's fit to plead."
She added: "He was unrepresented at the police station. That gives me some considerable cause for concern."
Miss Kenney said Knowles had said her client also had a medical condition which she did not wish to repeat in open court.
"It would appear there is material on the hard drive which is a second hand piece of equipment" she said.
Alex Warren, for the prosecution, was asked if he had any observations to make and he said, if fitness to plead was going to be investigated, 'that's going to take some time'.
He said the images found had already been 'counted and categorised' as to whether they are A, B or C. A is considered the most serious bracket which shows penetrative sexual activity involving children. He said there was already 'quite a lot of information in a streamlined forensic report'.
Judge Martin Jackson adjourned the case until March 27. Knowles was granted unconditional bail until that hearing scheduled to take place at Worcester Crown Court.
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