A county councillor resigned as chairman of the Essex Fire Authority because his son accessed internet pornography from a council-owned computer, it was revealed today.

Labour's Tony Wright, also a Castle Point councillor, had already admitted that the computer - loaned to him by the county council - was "damaged" because he had allowed other people to use the equipment.

Yesterday (Thursday) he confirmed that his son had accessed sites depicting images of a sexual nature - and it was that which had led to him resigning from the Fire Authority and as a member of the county's community safety committee.

Mr Wright, of Philmead Road, Benfleet, said today: "This is my only misdemeanour and does not warrant my resignation as a county councillor.

"I allowed my son and daughter to use the computer and they took the opportunity to access the internet.

"Unfortunately, amongst the sites my son visited were one or two sites depicting images of a sexual nature.

"These sites were visited by him as a result of his 'young man's curiosity', and did not contain images of children.

"I have paid a heavy political price for my carelessness by allowing my computer to be used by others."

This Is Essex revealed on Tuesday that Mr Wright, county councillor for Basildon Gloucester Park ward, had apologised to colleagues for the embarrassment caused.

He added: "In my previous statement I attempted to give the public the pertinent facts surrounding my resignation, whilst at the same time trying to protect my son, as any father would.

"He is of course very contrite and upset at the consequences of his actions, and we would now wish to be left alone as a family to put this matter behind us."

It is understood the abuse of the computer loaned to Mr Wright was discovered when technicians carried out a maintenance check on the equipment.

Meanwhile, political allies and opponents rushed to Mr Wright's defence.

Castle Point borough council leader Dave Wells (Lab, Benfleet St George's) said the matter was a personal one for Mr Wright and his family.

He added: "It is not for me to comment on. He has taken the right course of action and it is a matter for the county council.

"As regards the local party, he is well respected and has done a good job for the borough.

"People have got to remember that he has been active in the borough since 1970 and has always put Castle Point's interests first."

Conservative county councillor Ray Howard (Canvey West) said: "I have had the pleasure of working with Tony Wright since the 60s and I have always found him to be a very upstanding person who has always been dedicated to local and national affairs.

"I have worked alongside him for many years and as long as he and I are in public life, we will continue to do so."

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