Rape allegations stun town hall
WIGAN council was rocked last night by an allegation of rape inside the town hall.
At a full meeting of councillors, Wigan Central Ward Conservative Coun Gareth Fairhurst attempted to eject the press and public from proceedings, claiming he wanted to discuss an allegation of rape.
Coun Fairhurst did not specify when or where the rape had taken place, nor did he say to whom the allegations related.
At very the beginning of the meeting, shortly after 7pm, Coun Fairhurst stood to address Mayor Eunice Smethurst to request the meeting of the full council be conducted beind closed doors.
When that request was initially turned down, and Coun Fairhurst was asked to state specific reasons were for making the highly unusual statement, so that it may be fully considered, he replied: "Allegations of attempted rape in the town hall."
Coun Fairhurst said that both the Leader of the Council, Lord Peter Smith, and its chief executive, Joyce Redfearn, were aware of the allegations.His words sent shockwaves around the council chamber and Mayor Smethurst took legal advice before replying to the councillor.She then told Coun Fairhurst that the matter should be reported to the police, but that she was willing to hear what he had to say in the mayoral office once the meeting had ended.
Instead of resuming his seat, Coun Fairhurst gathered his papers and left the council chambers.
His father, Coun George Fairhurst, who represents Standish and Shevington councillor and sister Angela Bland, a councillor for Shevington with Lower Ground, both followed him out of the chamber.
http://www.wiganonline.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=66&ArticleID=1855171
WIGAN council was rocked last night by an allegation of rape inside the town hall.
At a full meeting of councillors, Wigan Central Ward Conservative Coun Gareth Fairhurst attempted to eject the press and public from proceedings, claiming he wanted to discuss an allegation of rape.
Coun Fairhurst did not specify when or where the rape had taken place, nor did he say to whom the allegations related.
At very the beginning of the meeting, shortly after 7pm, Coun Fairhurst stood to address Mayor Eunice Smethurst to request the meeting of the full council be conducted beind closed doors.
When that request was initially turned down, and Coun Fairhurst was asked to state specific reasons were for making the highly unusual statement, so that it may be fully considered, he replied: "Allegations of attempted rape in the town hall."
Coun Fairhurst said that both the Leader of the Council, Lord Peter Smith, and its chief executive, Joyce Redfearn, were aware of the allegations.His words sent shockwaves around the council chamber and Mayor Smethurst took legal advice before replying to the councillor.She then told Coun Fairhurst that the matter should be reported to the police, but that she was willing to hear what he had to say in the mayoral office once the meeting had ended.
Instead of resuming his seat, Coun Fairhurst gathered his papers and left the council chambers.
His father, Coun George Fairhurst, who represents Standish and Shevington councillor and sister Angela Bland, a councillor for Shevington with Lower Ground, both followed him out of the chamber.
http://www.wiganonline.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=66&ArticleID=1855171
No comments:
Post a Comment