Convicted paedophile Charles Montegriffo could lose MBE

Convicted paedophile Charles Montegriffo could be stripped of his MBE.

The 90-year-old was sentenced to 14 years in prison last month after pleading guilty to a number of historic child sex offences.

In answer to GBC questions, a spokesperson from the Convent said the Governor has referred the case to the Honours Secretariat to consider the forfeiture of his MBE, in line with existing processes.

The Honours Forfeiture Committee considers whether recipients have brought the honours system into disrepute. Cases are typically reviewed following criminal convictions, professional misconduct findings, or behaviour considered incompatible with retaining an honour. Recommendations are ultimately made to the King through the Prime Minister.

A number of high-profile figures have previously had honours revoked following criminal convictions or public scandal. 

Broadcaster Stuart Hall lost his OBE after being convicted of child sex offences, while entertainer Rolf Harris was stripped of his CBE following convictions for indecent assaults. More recently, former Post Office boss Paula Vennellslost her CBE over the Horizon scandal.

The forfeiture of honours is relatively rare and is assessed on a case-by-case basis. 

When asked for comment on Charles Montegriffo, Minister for Justice Nigel Feetham told GBC he "should absolutely be stripped of the award.”

He added that retaining the honour would bring the awards system into disrepute and that the harm suffered by the victims demands accountability.