A former Saint John councillor and convicted sex offender has been granted day parole.

Donnie Snook is serving an 18-year federal sentence on 46 child exploitation-related charges.

According to the CBC, the Parole Board of Canada ruled Thursday that Snook has made “sufficient progress” and has a strong release plan.

Snook pleaded guilty in 2013 to crimes involving 17 boys over a 12-year period.

Most of his victims were from the Saint John area and were between five and 15 years old.

His charges included touching a child for a sexual purpose, producing child pornography, and sexual assault.

In addition to his time on council, Snook also served as director of the Saint John Inner City Youth Ministry.