A 55-year-old man has appeared in court accused of possessing footage of a donkey engaging in a sex act with a child.
Billy Charlton appeared at Sunderland Magistrates’ Court to face four charges.
Charlton spoke to confirm his name, date of birth, and address, before charges were put to him.
The court heard how Charlton was allegedly found in possession of indecent material in Washington last June.
He is accused of making an incident photograph or a pseudo-photograph of a child, as well as distributing an incident photograph or a pseudo-photograph of a child.
That material, according to court papers, included material showing a child and a donkey engaged in a sexual act.
The defendant is also charged with possessing extreme pornography, including someone engaging in a sex act with a dog.
Other material he allegedly possessed included extreme pornographic material showing an act which could likely cause "serious injury”.
Charlton, who was represented by Angus Westgarth, gave no indication of plea.
Sue Barker, prosecuting, said due to the nature of the alleged offences, the case should be heard at the crown court.
Derek Moss, chairman on the bench, adjourned the case to be heard at Durham Crown Court at 10am on April 8.
