'Thousands' of Pornographic Images Viewed on UK Deputy PM's Computer

A former Scotland Yard detective is sure that it was senior Tory MP Damian Green who was accessing pornography on a computer that was seized as the police raided his House of Commons office in November 2008 when an inquiry into a range of government leaks was underway.

Former British police detective Neil Lewis has told the BBC that he was "shocked" by the amount of pornography viewed on UK Deputy Prime Minister Damian Green’s computer.

Detective Neil Lewis examined the computer during the 2008 investigation, but had not initially made public his findings.

He said that "thousands" of thumbnails of pornographic images were found on the computer.

Lewis said that being unable to back up his claims, a number of factors meant he was sure it was Green who used the device to access the pornographic materials.

"The computer was in Mr. Green's office, on his desk, logged in, his account, his name," Lewis told the BBC.

He added that "in between browsing pornography" Green worked on his computer, sending emails and reading documents.

Similar activities have also been found on Green’s laptop, according to Lewis.

Green found himself in the epicenter of a scandal last month after police said extremely vile images were found on his computer.

READ MORE: Barely Avoided: UK Deputy PM Could Have Faced Trial for Porn on His Computer

The criminal prosecution agency said that no legal action could be made against the politician as the appropriate legislation, known as the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008, came into force a few weeks after the raid. Under the legislation, possession of extreme pornographic images is illegal and penalties for the offense may vary from a fine "not exceeding the statutory maximum" to imprisonment for up to three years.

Lewis, however, said that the pornographic material found on Green’s computer was not extreme.

"Morally and ethically I didn't think that was a correct way to continue," he added.

Yet another scandalous case involving Damian Green concerns allegations by a female journalist who said he had "fleetingly" touched her knee two years ago in a pub.

Green’s case has added to a sexual harassment scandal that has recently hit the Conservative Party. In late October, a leaked dossier revealed that at least 36 senior Tory members have been involved in the sexual harassment of aides and staff, prompting a number of resignations — most notably by Defense Secretary Michael Fallon, who has admitted he touched a female journalist's knee during a conference dinner 15 years ago. Among other senior politicians involved in the ever-growing scandal are trade minister Mark Garnier and former cabinet minister Stephen Crabb.

Prime Minister Theresa May has been facing allegations of a cover-up after failing to confirm when she first learned of the harassment and misconduct claims.

The Westminster scandal follows a global string of sexual harassment revelations, which broke out in Hollywood, hitting such notable persons as producer Harvey Weinstein and Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey.