Ex-royal butler admits child abuse

Paul Kidd introduced the youngster to the late royal as a "friend" during a Christmas party at Clarence House - but in reality he had been assaulting the boy since the age of 14.

Kidd, 55, of Stalybridge, Greater Manchester, was senior footman to the Queen Mother from 1979 to 1984 and previously worked as a royal butler to the Queen from 1977.

He pleaded guilty to a string of historic sexual offences, a number of which were committed when he was a royal servant.

Kidd introduced one of his victims to a friend, David Hobday, 56, of Dukinfield, Greater Manchester, who also pleaded guilty to a number of sexual offences.

The former candidate for the UK Independence Party was caught after one of his three abuse victims read a newspaper article which he gave on the 10th anniversary of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.

Among items found on his computer at his home in Castlehall View were 18,019 images of unknown children and a video recording of him abusing another youngster as recently as 2006. His third victim, who was treated to the royal tea party, came forward after reading publicity on the case when Kidd was charged by police.

Kidd changed his pleas ahead of a scheduled four-week trial at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court. He pleaded guilty to nine counts of indecent assault, six counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Kidd also admitted 11 counts of making indecent images of a child and two counts of possessing indecent images of children. In both cases the images were classed between Levels 1 and 5 - the latter being the most serious end of the scale. He pleaded not guilty to two counts of making indecent images which were accepted by the Crown and ordered to lie on file. Charges of rape against Kidd, who had no previous convictions or cautions, were dropped.

Hobday, of St John Street, pleaded guilty to six counts of sexual activity with a child and one count of possessing an indecent image of a child, namely a video recording. Both men were remanded in custody and will be sentenced on November 20.