A FORMER Bradford accountant accused of distributing a "huge" number of indecent images of children, has insisted on representing himself at his trial.

Balding, bespectacled Anthony Simpson faces 27 charges of distributing or making indecent photographs of children.

The 53-year-old pleaded not guilty to all the charges when he appeared at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates Court today.

Bearded Simpson's case was sent to the crown court.

He was told by Deputy District Judge Adam Moran: "It is not suitable for summary trial because the powers of this court would be inadequate in the event of conviction."

Simpson, who was wearing an orange fleecy top and brown trousers, is charged with 26 counts of distributing an indecent photograph of a child, on or before July 16, 2010. He faces a further charge that, on or before December 23, 2010, he made 312,780 indecent photographs of children.

All the charges were brought under the Protection of Children Act 1978.

During the brief, ten minute, hearing Simpson confirmed his name, date of birth, and that he lived at Wood Avenue, on the Dale Lane Estate in Heckmondwike.

Asked by Mr Moran if he wished to indicate his plea, he said firmly "not guilty." Asked if that was to all 27 charges, Simpson replied: "Yes."

Prosecutor Mark Haigh said the case centred on a "huge number of indecent images" found on a number of computers seized from the defendant's home.

Mr Haigh said it was alleged the distribution offences were in categories A and C of seriousness, while the making images offences ranged from categories A, B and C.

Mr Haigh said the likely sentence if found guilty was "way above" what magistrates could impose and the case was not suitable for summary trial.

Simpson told Deputy District Judge Moran that he wished the case to go to the crown court.

Mr Moran asked Simpson if he could assist with the issues in the case. The defendant replied: "I was completely unaware these images were there."

Simpson told the judge that he wished to represent himself.

Deputy District JudgeMoran told him: "It appears to be quite a complicated case, but it is a matter for you."

The defendant was granted unconditional bail to appear at Bradford Crown Court at a later date.

I Simpson is facing a separate crown court trial after pleading not guilty to stealing £450,000 from the now defunct Bradford-based conveyancing firm Hammonds Direct.