THE managing director of a Worcester flagship audio-visual company has appeared in court charged with eight counts of making child pornography.

Keith Istead, head of Present UK Ltd - part of Istead Business Presentations Ltd - in Gregorys Mill Street, Barbourne, took over the family business almost four decades ago, in 1964.

Since then, the firm has won contracts with NASA, supported the Birmingham Olympic bid, installed one of the High Street's first CCTV cameras and opened stores in Birmingham and Coventry.

The family business has also supplied audio-visual and cinematography equipment to the local education authority, businesses, the health and safety executive and city hospitals.

But yesterday, Istead, aged 62, appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court facing eight charges of making indecent child photographs - one on December 4, two on December 6, two on January 1, and one each on January 12, 13 and 21.

Istead, of Bridge Street, Pershore, was committed for trial at Worcester Crown Court on Monday, November 17, at 10am and released on unconditional bail.

During the committal hearing, the city businessman wore a dark suit and spoke only to confirm personal his details to deputy district judge Roger Lowe.