Cameron’s ex-aide denies child abuse charges

Patrick Rock denies six counts of making indecent photographs of children and one count of possessing indecent images of children.

The offences, said to have been committed between July 31 and August 31 2013, relate to more than 60 images.

He is accused of making indecent photographs of children aged approximately 13, 11, 10 and 12.

He is also charged with possessing 56 indecent images of children aged approximately between 10 and 14.

Rock spoke to confirm his name and plead not guilty to the seven charges when he appeared at London’s Southwark Crown Court.

Wearing a dark suit, blue shirt and red patterned tie, the 63-year-old sat in the dock alongside a security officer and kept his arms folded for much of the hearing.

Rock, of Fulham in south west London, but living in the United States until recently, was told to return to the court on February 27.

Bailing him, Judge Alistair McCreath said: “You’re free to go now to return for the next hearing in your case on February 27.”