Director faces child porn charges

Karl Francis denied charges of downloading child pornography

A film director and a former head of drama for BBC Wales has pleaded not guilty to charges of child porn.

Karl Francis denied eight counts of making indecent photographs of a child and one of arranging or facilitating sex causing a child sex offence.

Mr Francis, 66, of Cardiff, who has directed films such as Rebecca's Daughter starring Peter O'Toole and Joely Richardson, was released on bail.

The case at Cardiff Crown Court was adjourned until trial in the summer.

Mr Francis was released on bail on the condition that he attends the trial or any other hearing listed in the meantime.

Judge William Gaskell adjourned the case until 27 July to allow the defence team to seek expert evidence and produce a defence statement.

Mr Francis, who also directed One Of The Hollywood Ten in 2000 starring Jeff Goldblum and Greta Scacchi, was described by defending barrister Jonathan Rees as a "renowned film director".