July 2013
Disgraced Methodist minister admits possession of indecent images of children
A LEADING light in the Methodist church has fallen into disgrace after being found in possession of indecent images of children.
Reverend Kenneth Mankin, who was suspended from the church following his arrest last November, appeared before magistrates today (Wednesday, July 3) to face seven charges of making indecent photographs of a child – some of them of the second highest level of severity.
The retired minister once served as a circuit superintendent in County Durham and was chairman of the North-East Wesley Historical Society.
Asked to plead to the charges at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court, the 73-year-old replied: “Guilty . . . and I am very sorry.”
The court was told Mankin’s home in Richmond Road, Newton Hall, Durham City, was raided by police on April 18, 2011 following a tip-off.
John Garside, prosecuting, said: “Due to information (received) police executed a warrant at the defendent’s home address.
“Various items were seized, including computer towers, as well as hard drives and other storage devices.
“Contained within these devices 15 images were identified.”
He said six still images were of level one severity, four still images of level two and five still images of level four. Level five is considered the most serious.
Mr Garside said the possession of a small number of level four images had a starting pointing of 26 weeks in jail.
The court, therefore, had sufficient sentencing powers to deal with the offences and he invited magistrates to accept jurisdiction.
Mark Richardson, mitigating, said: “Clearly this matter cannot be dealt with until a report has been prepared.
“A three-week adjournment would be required, not only for a report to be prepared, but also for consideration to be given to a sex offender’s prevention order.”
Daniel Jones, safeguarding co-ordinator for the Newcastle and Darlington Methodist districts, said: “Kenneth Mankin was charged with making indecent photographs of children and appeared in Peterlee Magistrates’ Court.
“Kenneth Mankin was suspended from all office holding positions within the church when he was arrested on November 23, 2012 and this will remain the case.
“The Methodist Church takes the safety and well-being of children and young people very seriously and has stringent safeguarding procedures.
“Our safeguarding team is fully aware of this case and pastoral support is being offered to those affected.”
The case was adjourned for sentencing on Wednesday July 24 and Mankin’s conditional bail was extended.
