A COUNCILLOR in Trafford is set to face trial for making and distributing indecent images of children

The National Crime Agency has confirmed that the Altrincham ward councillor Matthew Sephton, 41, of Maximus Drive, will face six charges when he appears before Manchester Magistrates Court on July 12.

An NCA spokesman confirmed that Cllr Sephton, who is also a teacher, was charged last Wednesday with four offences of possession of indecent images of children, one of possession of prohibited images and one of possession of extreme pornography.

The NCA spokesman added: “We can confirm that Matthew Sephton, has been charged with making and distributing indecent images of children (IIOC).

"He was arrested by officers from the National Crime Agency on December 1, 2016 and was bailed pending further enquiries.”

Cllr Sephton has been suspended from the Conservative Party and the council group.

He is a teacher at Westmorland Primary School in Stockport and has been suspended by the school until the investigation has been concluded.

Cllr Sephton, who in 2015/2016 was paid £6,368 in attendance allowances, has failed to turn up to any of Trafford Council's full council meetings since last December.

According to the Trafford Council website, he offering apologies of absence for failure to attend two of the meetings but has not offered any apology for not attending meetings on March 29 and May 24.

Any ward resident wishing to contact Cllr Sephton has to do so through the Trafford Council website.