FORMER HERTFORDSHIRE COUNCILLOR ADMITS INDECENT IMAGES OF CHILDREN CHARGES
Update 19/04/2026: A former councillor who had more than 500 indecent images of children on his phone and iPad has been given an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.Conor McGrath, 29, from Stevenage, had his devices seized when he was arrested on an unrelated matter.
While he was under investigation, he disclosed to a colleague that they contained indecent images.
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A former Hertfordshire councillor has pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children.
Conor McGrath, who was also formerly an aide to Stevenage's MP, admitted having 515 indecent images of children, which were found on his iPhone and iPad, Stevenage Magistrates’ Court heard today (March 25).
They included 77 category A images, the most serious classification, showing serious abuse including penetrative sexual activity.
In court, McGrath wore a dark suit and dark red tie and, at one point, dabbed his eyes with a tissue.
When the charges were read to him during the 15-minute hearing, he quietly replied “guilty” each time.
The court heard that police seized several of McGrath’s devices at his home on March 25 last year in connection with an unrelated matter.
McGrath initially failed to provide PIN codes and passwords for the devices when they were requested by officers, the court was told.
Prosecutors said that Metropolitan police raised concerns to Hertfordshire Constabulary after they were told McGrath had suggested to a work colleague that police may find indecent images on his devices.
McGrath provided the PIN codes for his devices after he was spoken to again, the court heard.
Officers found 77 category A images, 109 category B images and 329 category C images.
He was charged on February 23.
In mitigation, McGrath’s solicitor said the defendant “suffered trauma in his childhood” and has “fragile mental health”.
McGrath, who now lives in Biggleswade, will appear at St Albans Crown Court on April 17 for sentencing.
He will remain on bail until then, subject to conditions.
He served as a Labour councillor for Stevenage Borough Council’s Bedwell ward for more than two years from January 2023 until April 28 last year.
He resigned his council seat four days later, on May 2, and stopped working as an aide to Kevin Bonavia, Stevenage’s Labour MP, at around the same time.
