Solicitor charged over pornography

THE managing partner of Bournemouth firm Lester Aldridge has resigned after being charged with offences relating to child pornography.

Robert Lowe appeared at Bournemouth Magistrates' Court last week charged with possessing indecent photographs of children and importing obscene and indecent material.

The importation offence was allegedly committed at Heathrow and other ports and airports over a 14-year period from November 1980. Lowe was remanded in custody and will appear in court again this week.

Lester Aldridge senior partner Colin Patrick says: "This is a private and personal matter.

"It does not involve anyone else in the firm or any client of the firm, nor does it involve any kind of financial impropriety whatsoever. The integrity and professionalism of the practice is not affected."