A charity has called for a change in the law that has meant a convicted rapist councillor is continuing to be paid while in prison.

The NSPCC says it wrong that Dai Boswell can continue to be a councillor and still be paid after being convicted of such serious crimes.

Boswell was sentenced to 18 years in prison last week but, as he has not resigned from his position as a Pembrokeshire County Councillor, the council's hands are currently tied.

No action can be taken to remove him until 28 days after sentencing has passed - the maximum time allowed to lodge an appeal.

If Boswell was to launch an appeal he would continue to be paid until that appeal was heard and determined.

Boswell was convicted of raping and indecently assaulting two young girls at Swansea Crown Court last month.

Pembrokeshire County Council said: "Unless the Councillor chooses to resign from both roles with immediate effect, the process is now as follows: the County Council seat of Pembroke: St Mary North will be declared vacant as soon as the legislation permits.

"The Local Government Act 1972 states that a Member is disqualified from holding office if, since election, he has been convicted of an offence and has been sentenced to imprisonment for a period of not less than three months.

"Conviction is deemed to occur on expiry of the period allowed for making an appeal or application with respect to the conviction (the defence has 28 days in which to serve an appeal notice following conviction) or the date on which such appeal/application is finally disposed of.

"It is at that point that the vacancy is deemed to have occurred and the County Council may then immediately declare the office to be vacant and public notice of a vacancy can be issued.

"Throughout this period, the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults has and will remain of paramount importance for the Council."

A NSPCC spokesperson said: “Boswell was convicted of appalling sex offences against children and it is right that he now faces many years behind bars where he cannot harm others.

“It is wrong that someone convicted of sexual crimes against children can continue to serve as an elected official for any period of time and we support a change to the law to ensure situations like this are not repeated.”

The Welsh Local Government Association told the BBC: "The issue in question is a legal anomaly in the current framework that needs to be urgently addressed.

"A guilty verdict does mean an automatic disqualification, following a 28-day window for a possible appeal.

"This is where the problem is located and needs urgent review, especially as this deplorable offence is a fundamental breach of the statutory duty that councillors have to ensure that all children within local authority areas are safeguarded and protected."

Adults concerned about indecent images or the wellbeing of a child can call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000.

Children can contact Childline with any concerns on 0808 1111.