Scientist avoids jail term over child porn

A WORLD leading microbiologist whose work saved countless lives was spared a prison sentence yesterday after admitting a series of child pornography offences.

Leading academic Michael Kehoe was found with more than 200 indecent images of children on his computer when police raided his home.

At an earlier hearing at Newcastle Crown Court he admitted four specimen charges of making indecent images of children.

The court heard that Kehoe, a microbiology professor at Newcastle University, was one of the world's leading experts in his field and his work had saved countless lives.

Police raided Kehoe's home at Morpeth, Northumberland, in April last year, the court heard.

They took away an iMac computer and discovered that 232 images had been downloaded and then deleted over a 14-month period.

Kehoe, who works at the university's Institute of Cell and Molecular Biosciences, was suspended from work following his arrest.

Toby Hedworth, QC, defending, said Kehoe had realised immediately on his arrest the effect his offending would have on his wife of 29 years and his family.

He added: "No punishment of the court can equate with the punishment that he has given himself for the shame he has brought upon his family and his professional colleagues."

Mr Hedworth provided a folder of 16 character references from friends and colleagues.

Judge Brian Forster, QC, imposed a three-year community order and placed Kehoe on the sex offenders register for five years.

After the case, Newcastle University released a short statement confirming Kehoe would face disciplinary measures.