Former Stevenage councillor who had 500 indecent images of children spared jail
The 29 year old also previously worked as an aide for the MP for Stevenage
A former Stevenage councillor has been spared prison after downloading more than 500 indecent images of children.
29 year old Conor McGrath, who also formerly worked for Stevenage MP Kevin Bonavia, pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images in a previous hearing.
He was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, at St Albans Crown Court on Friday (17 April).
The images, downloaded between June 2024 and March 2025, included 77 category A images, 109 category B images, and 329 category C images and videos.
His political career has ended as a result, with McGrath expressing shame at failing those who elected him.
He served as a councillor between 2023 and 2025.
Police first arrested McGrath on March 25th last year at his residence on an unrelated matter, and subsequently seized various devices including his iPhone and iPad.
While released under investigation, McGrath shared concerns with a colleague at a pub that the police might discover inappropriate images on his devices.
This led to a referral to the Metropolitan Police Parliamentary Diplomatic Protection Command, who conducted another search at McGrath's home, ultimately locating the indecent images on the seized devices.
Defending, David Claxton told the court that McGrath feels "genuine remorse" and has started therapy to understand his motivations, attributing his actions to past childhood trauma.
Mr Claxton also noted McGrath's feelings of shame for letting down his constituents, which is a burden he will carry.
Furthermore, he acknowledged that McGrath has endured public humiliation and faces little chance of returning to politics.
It is understood that Kevin Bonavia informed the authorities upon learning of the allegations, and he has not had any contact with McGrath since.
Claire Beards from the Crown Prosecution Service said: “The volume and nature of the indecent images that McGrath collected and stored showed his sustained and unlawful sexual interest in children.
“Some of the images were among the most serious and disturbing for which a person can be prosecuted.
“Anyone who downloads, stores or shares indecent images of children contributes directly to their abuse and exploitation.
“We are committed to working with the police to safeguard children from sexual harm and to prosecute those who commit these appalling offences.”