© Tom Blewitt & Zack Griffiths

A former Labour councillor has pleaded guilty to a series of sexual offences involving a 13-year-old girl, prompting his resignation and renewed scrutiny of safeguarding within local politics.

Liron Woodcock-Velleman, 30, admitted sending explicit images of himself to the child and attempting to engage her in sexual communication. The offences came to light following a sting operation conducted by the Metropolitan Police.

Woodcock-Velleman appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Friday, January 2, where he pleaded guilty to two charges: attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, and attempting to cause a child aged between 13 and 15 to view sexual images.

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Impact on Labour Party Politics

Following his arrest, Woodcock-Velleman resigned from the Labour Party, effectively ending his political career. His resignation removed him from public office and distanced the party from the case, though it also sparked criticism and debate about candidate vetting and safeguarding responsibilities within local government. Labour sources confirmed that he no longer holds any party roles.

Woodcock-Velleman had been elected in 2022 to represent the Whetstone ward on Barnet Council, winning one of two seats for Labour.

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Bail Conditions

The court released Woodcock-Velleman on conditional bail ahead of sentencing. As part of those conditions, he is prohibited from being in the company of anyone under the age of 18. The restrictions are intended to protect the public, particularly children, while he awaits sentencing.

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Mental Health and the Defence

During the hearing, Woodcock-Velleman’s defence solicitor, Ali Hussain, told the court that his client had been diagnosed with depression and was taking medication at the time of the offences. Mr Hussain described him as a family man and father of one, arguing that his mental health struggles formed part of the context the court should consider during sentencing.

“He is a person of good character,” Mr Hussain said, adding that there was “a great deal about his background” that would help explain how he came to be before the court.

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Sentencing

Woodcock-Velleman is due to be sentenced on February 10 at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court.