The trial of the comedy actor Chris Langham on charges of downloading child pornography and sexually assaulting a child was halted today when a juror broke down in tears while watching videos allegedly found on the actor’s computer.

Judge Philip Statman, presiding at Maidstone Crown Court, halted the trial when the woman held her head in her hands after watching three videos depicting child abuse.

Richard Barraclough QC, for the prosecution, had asked for the jury to see 11 films allegedly downloaded by Mr Langham, but Judge Statman ruled after the third piece of footage that the images were too distressing.

Jurors watched in complete silence as they were shown the films. Some flinched at the end of the first film, which was classified by police as “level four”, which depicts sexual intercourse between adults and children. Judge Statman had previously ruled that they should not have to view “level five” films, which involve sadism or bestiality.

Mr Langham shielded his eyes with his hands and stared at his notebook throughout the films.

Judge Statman asked the jury if they wished to take a break when he saw that the middle-aged juror was upset. When he recalled them, he said: “I have taken the view that there is no reason for you to see any more of these films. Sometimes we do ask jurors to look at material that is understandably distressing to us all.”

Mr Langham has been charged with two serious sexual assaults, ten indecent assault and 15 charges relating to downloading child pornography. Mr Langham denies all charges and says that any material found on his computer was for research purposes.

The trial continues.

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