Chesterfield comic facing child porn charges must wait until April for sentence

Thomas (Christopher) Binns, 52, appeared at Derby Crown Court for sentencing today (Wednesday), after admitting five counts of making, and one count of possessing, indecent images of children at a hearing in November last year.

But Judge Robert Egbuna said: "This is a case where there should be a sentencing note on how the court is invited to approach it.”

The judge gave Binns conditional bail to return to court on April 5.

The case has already been adjourned from January 23.

According to the National Crime Agency, Binns was caught after he asked a family friend to sell three devices containing indecent images on eBay.

The comic told comedy website Chortle he had downloaded the images in error while under the influence of drugs for his ADHD.

He is best known for his hospital radio DJ alter-ego Ivan Brackenbury, and he had a six-part BBC One sitcom in 2017 based around that character.

Binns was nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Award 2007 for his Brackenbury act, and in 2013 was named best international act at the New Zealand International Comedy Festival.

He also performs as the comedy psychic Ian D Montfort, having learned the tricks of cold reading. A BBC Radio 2 series based around the medium character aired in 2013.

His other TV appearances include The IT Crowd, Spooks, Drifters, Fist of Fun and 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown.