MARTIN Judd, 25, appeared at Manchester Minshull Street charged with downloading child pornography whilst a Labour Councillor in Oldham.
Judd faces allegations that between February 2018 and the same month last year 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 pandemic, the trial is expected to run for three days in January next year, with Judge Maurice Greene telling him: “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 currently states he is not a serving councillor.
During his time on the local authority he served as deputy cabinet member in economy and enterprise.
