September 2020

Former footman to Queen who owns pub in Bridge, Canterbury, found with child sex images on phone

A pub owner and former footman to the Queen found with a stash of child sex images has avoided community service to ensure his village boozer can continue to operate.

Christian Diamant, who owns the White Horse Inn in Bridge, near Canterbury , was spared unpaid work by a judge who said he had “no desire to upset his business”.

The 51-year-old, who previously served the Royal Family at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, appeared for sentencing at the city’s crown court on Friday having admitted having indecent pictures and videos of children on his iPhone.

He was found in possession of 28 indecent images and three videos when arrested by police in January.

He admitted to having an addiction to chatting with gay men on Grindr and sometimes having video calls and chats online to discuss and watch child sex abuse.

Diamant was made the subject of a two-year community rehabilitation order with a condition that he attends a sex offenders programme.

Recorder Trimmer said he had “no desire” to order Diamant carry out unpaid work as it would upset his current business at the White Horse.

Diamant, who grew up in Eastling in Faversham , was an under-butler for the Queen, serving at state visits and the wedding of Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex.