A HAIRDRESSER to the stars has pleaded for forgiveness after admitting 12 child pornography charges.

Michael Haywood, 34, who cut the hair of Tina Turner, Liz Hurley and the Spice Girls during a stint in London, pleaded guilty to 10 charges of possessing indecent pictures of children and two of distributing them, at Kingston Crown Court.

Speaking exclusively to the Observer, Haywood, of Westwood Street, Accrington, who could face jail, said: "My family are devastated and I feel terrible for them.

"The charges relate to something that happened three years ago. It's very upsetting to go through and everyone wants to forget about it.

"The sooner we do that we can get on with our lives. It is a nightmare for my family and all I want to do is protect them. It's not fair on them."

Haywood fled London last year after being charged.

He quickly got a job at Fitzy's salon in Abbey Street, Accrington, whose boss Anne Fitzharris, 37, said: "We're devastated. He was a nice bloke, very popular with the clients and staff. I've not spoken to him since all this broke, he's done one.

"People were booked in for months because he was so popular. He'd worked for Nicky Clarke in London and was an excellent hairdresser. He had some time off when he started for a court appearance but told me he was taking his boyfriend for treatment at Christie's cancer hospital in Manchester.

"I didn't get round to checking his references. I feel suspicious about his background now and wonder how many other lies he told us. His jobs have been transferred to other senior staff."

Although Haywood, a former Moorhead High School pupil, insists he did work at Nicky Clarke, personnel officer Harriet Smith said the company had no record of employing him.

Haywood was due to style bride-to-be Emma Cannon's hair before her wedding on Saturday.

Emma, 24, of West Crescent, Accrington, said: "He cut my hair before moving to London and I booked him for my special day because people spoke so highly of him. Fortunately, someone else can do it for me."

Haywood said: "I admit I did use my partner as an excuse, though he was ill. My solicitor advised me I wouldn't get a jail sentence and I really want to put this behind me, though I won't be going back to Fitzy's and don't know what the future holds."

Haywood will be sentenced at London's Kingston Crown Court on Friday 15 July.