PRESTON'S Liberal Democrat leader, Councillor William Chadwick, appeared before the city's magistrates on Monday facing charges following alleged offences relating to an internet chatroom.

Chadwick, 48, of Avenham Road, Preston, is charged with incitement to commit kidnap, torture, rape and murder, and another charge of making indecent photographs of a child.

His solicitor Peter Turner, appeared with his client for the hearing, which lasted more than an hour.

He told the court Chadwick -- who is also a county councillor -- was a self employed speaker who gave seminars on equal opportunities and diversity to companies such as Jaguar and the Ministry of Defence.

Solicitor Keith Bayman appeared for the prosecution.

Chadwick was denied bail and remanded in custody until his appearance at Preston Crown Court on Tuesday, August 20.