THE former owner of Swindon 24 has come clean about his criminal past, just days after being confirmed as a candidate in the upcoming Wiltshire Council elections.

Daniel Webb, who ran the news website until last year, narrowly avoided a prison sentence in 2013 after pleading guilty to stealing £3,000 worth of mobile phones from the Swindon branch of Phones4U where he worked at the time.

He was sentenced to a 12 month community order and told to complete 300 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay compensation of £3,000, costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £60.

The 22-year-old, who now lives in Chippenham, has recently set his sights on political office.

Earlier this week he was confirmed as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Chippenham Hardenhuish ward in next month's Wiltshire Council elections.

Mr Webb says he has never tried to conceal his criminal record for theft.

“As a teenager, when the offence was committed in 2013, life was particularly difficult and I made a stupid mistake," he said.

“I feel terrible about what I did and my mistake is one that I will regret for the rest of my life.

“I recognised that what I did was wrong, and pleaded guilty to the offence in interview – before the matter went to court.”

Although his candidacy was only recently confirmed, Mr Webb has been campaigning in the area since December.

As his political ambitions became clear, a member of the public who was aware of Mr Webb's criminal record questioned whether he should still be allowed to stand for election and whether it was right for him to do so without being honest with voters.

While the ethical question will be for voters to decide on election day, there is no restriction in law that prevents Mr Webb from standing for office.

The Local Government Act 1972 says that only those sentenced to more than three months in prison within the past five years are automatically disqualified.

While the offence of theft from an employer can result in up to seven years in prison, Mr Webb received a penalty much closer to the lower end of the sentencing range.

The prospective councillor, who has recently launched a new website under the name Wiltshire999s focusing on news about the emergency services, says he informed his party from the outset about his conviction.

He added: “I do believe that when people do something wrong and recognise that, they deserve a second chance.

“A local councillor should be a caring, supportive and passionate person that truly wants to help their local community – I am that person.

“I promise to continue working hard for the town of Chippenham. I know the meaning of hard work, and I am fully committed to the people of Hardenhuish.

“In the run-up to election day, I am out and about on the doorsteps talking to residents. If anyone would like to talk to me about this or anything else, I am more than happy to do so.”

The leader of the Liberal Democrats in Wiltshire has said Mr Webb has the party's backing.

Glenis Ansell said: “Daniel Webb has been selected to stand as a Liberal Democrat. I believe that people who make a mistake are given the chance to put things right.

“This is especially important for young people, where one bad error can ruin the rest of their lives.

“Daniel did not try to hide the mistake he made a few years ago; one that he deeply regrets.

“He is a dynamic young man who has built businesses and wants to work for the community of Chippenham Hardenhuish so we are giving him that opportunity.

“Everyone deserves a second chance and I hope the voters of Chippenham Hardenhuish will support him.”