'˜More needs to be done to tackle this vile trade' says NSPCC after former Peterborough doctor admits possessing over 800,000 indecent images

Michael Kennedy (52) of St Pegas Road, Peakirk admitted possessing 848,131 indecent images during a hearing at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (August 10).

Kennedy, a former doctor and senior partner at the Millfield Medical Centre, pleaded guilty to seven counts in total during the court hearing.

Along with the ‘colossal’ amount of indecent images of children, he also pleaded guilty to possessing ‘extreme pornography,’ including images of animals and even corpses.

The images do not relate to any patients or anyone connected to the surgery.

An NSPCC spokesman said: “Make no mistake, viewing child abuse images is not some innocent pastime. The pictures are crime scenes and every one shows a young victim who has been abused and whose suffering is compounded every time that image is shared online.

“More needs to be done to tackle this vile trade and cut the material off at the source, but even then there is no guarantee these images will disappear from the web and, with every click, victims are re-abused.

“Anyone who has concerns about this case should call the NSPCC’s helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email [email protected]. Children can contact ChildLine 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 0800 1111 or by visiting www.childline.org.uk.”