A FORMER York schoolboy and graduate who committed suicide after being accused of involvement in an international child pornography ring had wanted to fight the charges, it has been reported.

Richard Dyde, 47, who died a day after being released on bail in Canada, jumped off a bridge, landing about 30 metres below on a paved walkway, said the Toronto Star.

As The Press reported last week, Mr Dyde, thought to have grown up in Acomb, York, and a former pupil of Nunthorpe Grammar School and University of York graduate, had been facing charges of making, possessing, and making available child pornography. He was one of 57 men worldwide arrested as part of Project Sanctuary, a year-long investigation into a child pornography network.

The Toronto Star said that according to his lawyer, Heather Pringle, he had spoken of his wish to fight the charges and had not appeared suicidal.

She believed Mr Dyde was overwhelmed by his “outing” to the media by Toronto police, and this led to him feeling shamed.

• Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can contact the Samaritans for emotional support by phoning 08457 90 90 90.