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Top rally driver admits child abuse image charges

A top international rally driver from Northern Ireland has pleaded guilty to possessing and distributing indecent images of children.

Michael Orr (49) has admitted six charges of distributing images of children being abused and 15 of making such images.

At a brief hearing at Downpatrick Crown Court on Wednesday, it was ruled that a further charge of committing an act outraging public decency would not be proceeded with after a no bill application by Orr was granted.

That 22nd charge had accused the rally star of upskirting. It was alleged he recorded an adult female’s buttocks under her skirt in a public place in September 2016.

But after his no bill application was granted by the judge, the top rally co-driver was released on continuing bail of £350 to be sentenced on June 9.

The Co Down man’s address is subject to reporting restriction imposed by a judge earlier this year over alleged threats to him.

The veteran international co-driver has in recent years competed for a Middle East-based team.

He pleaded guilty to the 21 child images charges last Tuesday, May 2, at Downpatrick Crown.

The offences were committed on dates between January 2015 and September 2016.

The veteran rally star has been out of action from rallying recently following a major incident in Poland last year when his vehicle caught fire.

He and his driver Yazeed Al-Rajhi were able to escape the flames, but navigator Orr fractured his ankle while jumping out.

Orr, who was granted bail, once appeared in a TV show with Idris Elba. There is no suggestion Mr Elba or Yazeed Al-Rajhi had any knowledge of the circumstances related to the charges.

He appeared alongside Elba in an episode of No Limits in 2015, in which the actor tackled various speed sports ranging from drag racing to rallying.

Elba took part in the Circuit of Ireland with Orr as his navigator.

However, things didn’t go too well for The Wire and Luther star, as he crashed his high-powered vehicle on a first run over one of the special stages.

Elba was coached by seven-time Circuit of Ireland winner Jimmy McRae for the event.

Orr warned beforehand in the show that “if [Elba] doesn’t listen to me, it’ll all end in tears”.

He was heard calling the pre-prepared pace notes for the corner where the collision occurred — “long four left over crossroads”.

He called it again several times, but the car still ploughed into a hedge, causing damage to the steering.

Elba immediately protested: “I didn’t see it.”

Orr replied: “You don’t need to see it, you just need to listen.”

Orr said later: “The crash apart, it was an honour and pleasure to work with Idris on the programme and I hope it succeeds in bringing the sport I love to many millions who have never had the opportunity to experience it.”