Woman in court after paedophile ring investigation

A woman accused of child sex offences following the police investigation into paedophiles Vanessa George and Colin Blanchard appeared in court by video link today.

Tracy Dawber, 43, from Guildford Road, Southport, Merseyside, was charged as a result of an alleged link to Blanchard, 38.

She faces four counts of possessing indecent images of children; five counts of permitting indecent images of children to be made; one charge of sexual assault on a child under 13; and a further count of facilitating the sexual assault of a child.

Dawber, a social worker, has previously pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

During a short hearing at South Sefton Magistrates' Court in Bootle, Merseyside, today, Dawber spoke only to confirm her name, address and date of birth.

She was remanded in custody until 22 December, when she is due to appear again by video link.

Magistrates ordered her also to appear before the court on 31 December, when her case will be committed to Liverpool Crown Court.

Blanchard admitted a string of child abuse offences at Bristol Crown Court last month alongside nursery worker George and Angela Allen, both 39.

Police said the charges against Dawber have no connection to the Little Ted's Nursery in Plymouth, Devon, where George worked.