Conor McGrath

Conor McGrath, a 29-year-old former aide to Stevenage Labour MP Kevin Bonavia and a borough councillor in Hertfordshire, was sentenced at St Albans Crown Court for possessing a large number of indecent images of children. McGrath, from Biggleswade in Bedfordshire, pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images of children at Stevenage Magistrates' Court the previous month.

The court heard that between June 2024 and March 2025, McGrath had amassed 77 category A images, 109 category B images, and 329 category C images and videos. These materials demonstrated a sustained and unlawful sexual interest in children, with some images being among the most serious and disturbing prosecutable offences, according to Claire Beards from the Crown Prosecution Service.

Police initially seized McGrath's devices on 25 March 2025 during an arrest for an unrelated matter. He confided in a colleague that he was worried the police might find 'rude photographs' and think he was a paedophile. Following this, his electronics were seized again, revealing the indecent images. The discovery led to his resignation from his political roles, effectively ending his career, and he expressed shame for letting down his electors.

At sentencing, McGrath received an eight-month prison term, suspended for two years. MP Kevin Bonavia, who ensured police were informed upon learning of the allegations and has had no contact with McGrath since his resignation, stated: 'I am pleased that Conor McGrath has been sentenced for his truly appalling crimes today. There aren't words to express the horror I felt upon being made aware of this sickening criminality.' Bonavia also shared that his thoughts were with victims and survivors of child sexual abuse.

The case was handled under the jurisdiction of HM Courts and Tribunals Service, with the indecent images offences coming to light through investigations in the Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, and Buckinghamshire area.