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
CoE considering annual commemoration of 21 martyrs in Libya
CoE considering annual commemoration of 21 martyrs in Libya

Additions to the Church's calendar are rare.

Church of England winds down Living in Love and Faith as deep divisions remain over same-sex blessings
Church of England winds down Living in Love and Faith as deep divisions remain over same-sex blessings

Church of England's Living in Love and Faith process is to formally conclude in July.

On miracles
On miracles

Hebrew scholar and Jewish academic Irene Lancaster reflects on the meaning of a miracle.

Church of England commits to combating mental health crisis
Church of England commits to combating mental health crisis

The Church and the NHS can work together to solve mental health challenges.