FORMER COUNCILLOR PLEADS GUILTY TO SEX OFFENCES
UPDATE 10/02/2026: The sentencing of Liron Velleman, a former Barnet councillor, for child sex offences has been postponed because his case was considered too serious for magistrates to handle.Velleman, aged 30 and a former Labour councillor for Whetstone ward, admitted to attempting several child sex offences earlier this year in January.
During his appearance at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court on Tuesday, the 10th, Velleman, who resides on Holdsworth Avenue in North Finchley, was informed that his sentencing must be deferred to Harrow Crown Court.
The case involves charges including trying to establish sexual communication with a minor.
District Judge Ashwinder Kaur Gill stated that the severity of the offences and the sentencing guidelines indicate a potential prison sentence of up to 18 months, which exceeds the jurisdiction of a magistrate’s court, leading to the case being set for Crown Court consideration.
————————————————————————- A former Barnet councillor who dramatically quit the town hall last year has pleaded guilty to a series of sex offences.
Liron Velleman, who was elected as a Labour councillor for Whetstone ward in 2022, left his role suddenly and without explanation in April, while also leaving his position at the Community trade union.
At Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court yesterday, the ex-politician admitted multiple child sex offences including attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and attempting to cause a child aged 13 to 15 to watch or look at an image of sexual activity.
The court heard that Velleman sent the girl naked pictures of himself and asked whether she was “at home alone”.
He also told her to “show me your bra” and asked “whether she was a virgin”.
He carried out the offences between 3rd December and 10th December 2024 and was caught by a Metropolitan Police sting operation.
Defense barrister, Ali Hussain, told the court that Velleman had been suffering from depression.
He said the former councillor was “a person of good character.” He added: “He is currently unemployed.
He is a family man.
There is a great deal about his background which will assist the court to see how exactly he came to find himself in this position.” He will be sentenced on February 10th at the same court.
