Martin Judd, 25, appeared at Manchester Minshull Street charged with downloading child pornography whilst a Labour Councillor in Oldham.
Judd faced allegations that between February 2018 and February 2019 he downloaded 15 category A, the most serious, images of children, 23 category B and 48 category C ones. The young politician pleaded not guilty to all three of the allegations.
Due to delays caused by the Covid pandemic, the trial was held in January 2020, with Judge Maurice Greene telling him at his hearing "The trial will take place on the 17th of January, it is a long way off, ensure you keep in touch with your solicitor."
Judd, originally from New Zealand, was elected in the local government elections in 2018 where there were two vacancies at the ward. The former Labour politician received 1,184 votes in Hollinwood which represented a 73 per cent of the total.
He was elected to serve a four-year term but his departure was subtly announced on the Oldham Council website following him being charged. His profile stated he was not a serving councillor.
During his time on the local authority he served as deputy cabinet member in economy and enterprise.
His case was due to go to a trial in January the following year, and was previously ordered to provide a defence statement setting out his response to the allegations, but the case against him was called again in court where he was acquitted of all three charges.