A top Midland Midland Tory councillor has resigned after a police investigation into allegations that he downloaded child porn onto his personal computer. And the Sunday Mercury can reveal that Pat McLoughlin, 65, had previously set up his own website containing links to several questionable internet sites. They include The Brick Testament, in which Lego characters act out twisted biblical tales involving rape and violence. There is also a link to a site called Russian Brides, where provocative women advertise for potential western husbands. Former printer Mr McLoughlin, who lives in Norton Canes, Staffordshire, has resigned as a councillor on Cannock District Council following his arrest by police. He has been bailed until February but he has continued as a councillor on Norton Canes Parish Council - the body he once led as chairman. He and his wife Frances have three grown-up children. A source close to the investigation told the Sunday Mercury: Mr McLoughlin has not been charged with anything, but he is the subject of an ongoing police investigation. These are very delicate matters and he has decided that it is best that he quit his position on the council due to the nature of them. They include allegations that he could have down-loaded illegal images of children from the internet. Various items belonging to Mr McLoughlin have also been seized by officers. They will be looked at and when they have been fully examined, it will be determined whether he will be charged with anything. This is not connected with the FBI checks into child pornography on the internet that have been running across the country. Fifty police officers were arrested earlier this month as a result of Operation Ore, the UK end of an FBI operation which has traced 250,000 paedophiles worldwide. They were snared through their credit cards, which were used to pay for child porn. Mr McLoughlins website contains information about the local Conservative party, Swedish fuchsias and Thomas the Tank Engine. But the site, last updated on December 17, also contains links to many other web pages. The link to The Brick Tales is forwarded by a recommendation from Mr McLoughlin saying: I have recently found this site. It is well worth a visit. The Old and New Testament stories brought to life through LEGO! All stories are classified for NUDITY, SEX, VIOLENCE and CURSING. One sequence titled Rape, Treachery & Slaughter shows a man stalking a woman through the bushes before pouncing on her and carrying out a rape. Others depict violence and circumcision. A personal forward to the Russian Brides site says: If you have had a row with the missus, you might care to peruse a new model here. The Sunday Mercury contacted Mr McLoughlin about the child porn investigation but he declined to comment. In a second call to his home address, a woman also refused to comment but said: These are nothing but allegations and that is all. Several councillors have spoken of their shock at hearing of Mr McLoughlins sudden departure from the district council. Coun Ted Hodges, who serves on the district and Norton parish council, said: I was absolutely shocked when I heard he had resigned. It knocked me back on my heels. I feel he had quite a lot to offer the community. Doreen Evans, secretary for Norton Canes Parish Council, said: He hasnt resigned from the parish council. I was very shocked when I heard the news. In a statement, Reg Cooper, Cannock Chase Conservative group leader, said: Having regard to the new councillor code of conduct and after seeking advice from the councils legal officer, Mr McLoughlin has resigned from the council. He is currently at the centre of a police investigation. Mr McLoughlins details have now been taken off the official district council website. | 
