Thomas Dewey

A former Hackney Labour councillor has admitted to possessing a large number of indecent images of children, marking a significant fall from grace in local politics. Thomas Dewey, aged 36 and residing in Hampshire, appeared at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on 18 July 2023, where he pleaded guilty to several serious charges related to child sexual abuse material.

The charges stem from incidents in early 2022. On 29 April 2022, Dewey admitted to making five Category A indecent images of children—the most severe classification—along with downloading four Category B and 203 Category C images on the same date. Additionally, he confessed to possessing 78 extreme pornographic images of children and over 1,500 prohibited images of children, with possession dating back to or before 20 January 2022. These admissions highlight the extensive nature of the material found in his possession, which included the most graphic and harmful content categorised under UK law.

Dewey’s arrest was carried out by officers from the National Crime Agency at his home in Hackney on 29 April 2022, just one week before he was elected as a councillor for the Labour Party. The council’s Chief Executive notified Labour of the arrest on 16 May 2022, leading to Dewey’s immediate suspension from the party. On the same day, he resigned from his position as councillor, which triggered a by-election in July 2022. This sequence of events underscores the rapid unraveling of his political career following the discovery of the illegal material.

The case was reported by The Evening Standard, with Chief Political Correspondent Rachael Burford detailing the court proceedings and background. No specific quotes from Dewey or his legal representatives were provided in the coverage, but the admissions were made unequivocally during the hearing. Dewey is due to be sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court on 15 August 2023, where the full extent of his punishment will be determined by the judiciary.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vigilance required in public office and the severe legal consequences for possessing child exploitation material. The National Crime Agency’s involvement emphasises the national scope and seriousness of such offences.