A former mayor and convicted paedophile who changed his name to stand in local elections has been jailed.
In 2017, John Beirne, ex-mayor of St Helens, Merseyside, admitted historical offences against boys aged between eight and 12.
He was handed a 16-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, at Liverpool Crown Court in June the same year.
In March 2019, while subject to conditions of the sex offenders’ register, Beirne requested his name on the electoral roll be changed to John Blondel.
Later that month he applied to run for election as an independent councillor in Wigan.
He signed as John Blondel to confirm he was not disqualified to run – despite his sentence barring him from standing as a councillor.
Council officials contacted police after discovering his real name.
Beirne, who had not contacted police to notify them of a name change, answered “no comment” when interviewed by officers.
The 59-year-old, of School Way, Pemberton, was sentenced to 16 months behind bars on Thursday, as per his original sentence.
Detective Sergeant Rob Catmore said: “Had John Beirne continued to abide by the terms of his original sentence he could have avoided jail.
“But with only a matter of months left to serve he took the decision to change his name and attempt to re-enter politics.
“I hope today’s result sends a clear message to other offenders who think they can flout the terms of a suspended sentence.
“You might have avoided incarceration but you have still been found guilty of an offence and must abide by the clear terms and conditions imposed on you, or you will face further action.”
