A JOURNALIST who helped expose the MPs’ expenses scandal has appeared at Dartford Magistrates’ Court accused of internet child abuse offences.

Ben Leapman, former deputy news editor of the Sunday Telegraph, is charged with four offences of publishing obscene material, four counts of making indecent images of children, and one offence of possessing an extreme pornographic image.

Appearing in front of north Kent magistrates on Monday (Jan 21), the 42-year-old was bailed appear again the same court on March 18 for a committal hearing.

Leapman, of South Lambeth, Vauxhall, was arrested at his former home in Eynsford on November 26.