Tom Binns' Hull comedy gig cancelled after he admits indecent ...

A comedy gig in Hull due to take place later this month featuring comedian Tom Binns has been cancelled after he admitted possessing indecent images of children.

The comic – best known for his hospital radio DJ alter-ego Ivan Brackenbury – told Chortle he had downloaded the images in error while under the influence of drugs for his ADHD, Chortle reports.

Binns, 52, of Chesterfield, admitted five counts of making and one of possessing indecent images of children when he appeared in court on November 21. He will be sentenced at Derby Crown Court on January 23.

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That means his gig at the Comedy Lounge in Hull, due to take place on January 22, has now been cancelled. Binns was due to perform as character psychic Ian D Montfort while also bringing in his best-known character radio DJ Ivan Brackenbury.

But on its Facebook page, Comedy Lounge Hull said: “Unfortunately we have had to cancel this event, anyone who has purchased tickets will have received an email regarding this. Thank you.”

BBC Radio Sheffield reported that Binns – who had a six-part BBC One sitcom in 2017 based around his Brackenbury character – was caught after he asked a family friend to sell three devices containing indecent images on eBay.

In a statement to Chortle, Binns said: “Over two years ago, while under the influence of an overdose of prescription drugs for ADHD, which induced obsessive compulsive disorder, I downloaded and deleted a very large amount of adult pornography over a short period of time.

“Within those downloads it appears there was some child pornography that I had not sought out nor wanted. I have no sexual interest in children. I have taken and passed a polygraph stating I have no sexual interest in children.

“I am bitterly upset at the hurt this has caused my family for which I take full responsibility. I will take my punishment for this and hope that my family are not further harmed by my actions.”

Binns was nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Award 2007 for his Brackenbury, and in 2013 was named best international act at the New Zealand International Comedy Festival. His other TV credits include The IT Crowd, Spooks, Drifters, Fist of Fun and 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown.

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