The sentencing of a former Scout leader, Villager of the Year and councillor who is accused of downloading thousands of indecent images of children has been delayed again.

Roland Frankel, 62, was due to appear in court today (October 9) for a hearing and sentencing.

Frankel, of Theydon Park Road in Theydon Bois, pleaded guilty on July 10 to two offences of making or downloading indecent photos of children between 16 November 2003 and 8 November 2013, and 10 January 2011 and 8 November 2013.

The case, relating to 18,385 photographs and 440 moving images, will now next be heard at Chelmsford Crown Court on November 6.

A hearing had been scheduled for today to consider a disagreement between the defence and the prosecution over the guilty plea.

Frankel has disputed intentionally downloading images in the most serious ‘A’ and ‘B’ categories.

After a request from his defence team, it will be decided next month if such a hearing is needed.

Sentencing had originally been due in the week of August 10.

Two further charges of attempting to incite a girl aged 13 to engage in sexual activity and of attempting to obtain sexual services from her were earlier dismissed, after the judge said no criminal offence was committed.

Frankel was chosen as Theydon Bois Villager of the Year in 2014 and had represented the village as a Liberal Democrat councillor from 2006 until 2010.