Josh Duggar convicted in child porn case

Former reality star Josh Duggar (Photo: Instagram/Anna Duggar)

Josh Duggar has been convicted of downloading and possessing child pornography.

He faces up to 20 years in prison after the jury in Fayetteville, Arkansas, found him guilty on both counts at a hearing on Thursday. 

Duggar is one of the former stars of 19 Kids and Counting, a reality show about the devout Christian Duggar family. 

He also faces up to $500,000 in fines.

Prosecutor Clay Fowlkes, speaking after the verdict, said, "Regardless of wealth, social status, or fame, our office will continue to seek out all individuals who seek to abuse children and victimize them through the downloading, possession, and sharing of child pornography."

Duggar was immediately taken into custody following Thursday's hearing and is due to be sentenced in four months.

He plans to appeal.

His defence attorney Justin Gelfand said, "We respect the jury's verdict and we look forward to continuing this fight on appeal."

19 Kids and Counting was a hit reality TV show on the TLC network until 2015 when it was cancelled after it emerged that Duggar had molested four of his sisters. 

He later went into rehab for a porn addiction and admitted to cheating on his wife Anna Duggar. 

She has stayed with him and gave birth to their seventh child in November, just weeks before her husband's trial started.

News
Archbishop of Canterbury calls for peace in first Easter sermon
Archbishop of Canterbury calls for peace in first Easter sermon

Dame Sarah Mullally has used her first Easter Day sermon as Archbishop of Canterbury to renew calls for peace in the Middle East. 

Easter Sunday and the hope of resurrection
Easter Sunday and the hope of resurrection

The hope of the resurrection is especially precious in a world filled with grief, violence, uncertainty, and pain.

Activists warn Syriacs being erased in Syria
Activists warn Syriacs being erased in Syria

The Syriacs are mostly Christian.

New Iraq report urges stronger action to protect Christians and other religious minorities
New Iraq report urges stronger action to protect Christians and other religious minorities

Jim Shannon MP said the report records both “the progress observed” and “the ongoing challenges” that remain for religious minorities seeking to live in safety and freedom in Iraq.