A NEATH man has appeared in court accused of possessing extreme porn featuring animals and of making indecent photographs of a child.

Mark Timothy Russell, of Darran Park, Neath Abbey, is also alleged to have had in his possession 285 indecent photographs of children.

Russell, aged 47, entered no plea to a total of 17 charges when he appeared at Neath Magistrates Court.

The allegations against Russell include three of possessing an extreme pornographic image.

These allegations relate to April 7, 2008.

On September 26 this year Russell is alleged to have had 247 extreme pornographic images and 285 indecent photographs of children in his possession.

Allegations

In addition, Russell faces 12 charges of making an indecent photograph of a child.

These allegations relate to dates between March and August 2008.

Magistrates declined jurisdiction and the case is now set to be committed to Swansea Crown Court.

Russell will next appear at Neath Magistrates Court on February 23 for this to take place.

In the meantime, Russell was released on unconditional bail.