Josh Duggar convicted in child porn case

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
Franklin Graham preaches with warning from Sodom in Manchester
Franklin Graham preaches with warning from Sodom in Manchester

Franklin Graham used the biblical story of Lot’s flight from Sodom to urge thousands in Manchester on Saturday night to seek forgiveness through Christ and accept His gift of salvation.

More than 4,200 Christians killed in Nigeria this year - report
More than 4,200 Christians killed in Nigeria this year - report

More than 4,200 Christians have been killed in Nigeria so far this year, according to a new report calling for stronger action to protect communities facing violence across the country’s Middle Belt.

800 years on: Why St Francis of Assisi still captivates the world
800 years on: Why St Francis of Assisi still captivates the world

4 October is St Francis’s Day, when Christians around the world remember the life and witness of Francis of Assisi. This year’s observance has particular significance, marking the 800th anniversary of his death. This is the story …

Majority back Ireland’s three-day abortion waiting period, poll finds
Majority back Ireland’s three-day abortion waiting period, poll finds

A new poll has found majority support for retaining Ireland’s mandatory three-day waiting period before an abortion, as lawmakers continue to consider legislation that would remove the requirement.