On Air Manx Radio Update Andy Wint | 5:30pm - 6:00pm

Peel commissioner remanded in custody

A Peel commissioner who faces child pornography charges has made a further court appearance.

Forty-three-year-old Arran Ernest Kaighin of Douglas Street, Peel, is charged with seven counts of making indecent photographs or pseudo images of children between January 1 2010 and August 14 this year.

Mr Kaighin, dressed in a white t-shirt and with his left arm bandaged from wrist to elbow, appeared via live link from Jurby prison.

The court heard more than 50 electronic exhibits were taken from his house, and there were 193,000 images for police to work through.

His advocate Dawn Jones made no application for bail.

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes said she was remanding Mr Kaighin in custody for his own protection, and because of a fear he wouldn't turn up for court if released on bail.

Mr Kaighin is due to make a further court appearance, again via live link, on September 18.

If convicted, Mr Kaighin could be jailed for up to five years - and if sentenced to more than three months - suspended or not - he would be disqualified from his seat on the Peel board, sparking a by-election.

More from Isle of Man News