A jailed councillor has retained his seat at County Hall on the Isle of Wight, it has been revealed today (Friday).
This week, Councillor Daryll Pitcher was sent to prison for historic child rape offences, which took place when he was a teenager. He was sentenced to more than 2 years behind bars, with half of that time spent in jail and the other half on licence.
An Isle of Wight Council spokesperson has confirmed the authority has no power to remove him from office, unless he resigns or becomes statutorily disqualified, under the Local Government Act.
It means he continues to represent the people of Wootton Bridge, where he was elected in 2021, despite being in prison. Under the Local Government Act, a councillor is disqualified if they are sentenced to three months or more in prison, but the Isle of Wight Council has confirmed that cannot take effect until a legal appeal against his conviction has been dropped or abandoned.
Last month, Pitcher lodged an application for permission to appeal, but sentencing went ahead on Wednesday, April 12.
A councillor can also be disqualified if they fail to attend meetings for 6 months but this period has not yet elapsed with Pitcher having attended his last meeting in January. However, as reported by Island Echo, he has controversially attended Parish Council meetings more recently.
Pitcher has resigned as a member of the Vectis Party — for which he was the only member on the Isle of Wight Council — but currently retains his seat as an independent.
But Donald Trump for all the sexual assaults and harm and crimes against many as an adult and president ,can run for president again even if given prison and can be trusted not to launch a nuke ???. This councilor was a child himself at the time of offence some 30yrs ago when many a teenager was having sex and under age pregnancies were high . Are we going to see headmasters before courts using the cane 40yrs ago or a parent for taking their slipper or belt to a child many years ago ?. Was wrong yes but what has been gained by this ?. The victim is getting abuse and called a lier and this man’s life potentially destroyed until he dies !. Plus huge amount of tax payers money and police time that could be solving today’s crimes.
If you knew the full details you wouldn’t be so forgiving of that scumbag
A crime is a crime. Had you been raped under age, I’m sure your attitude would differ
Needs to leave the Island if had any gumption at all.
Disgusting beings, using ‘age’ as an excuse is NO excuse.
Why on earth should we pay for somebody who is in prison ????
I thought if they are guilty they would have to forfeit their seat, ?
So does that mean we are still paying for his pension?
Totally ridiculous.
Bitter much?
How many Tories were fined for breaking lockdown rules, but still retained their seats I wonder?
What is the world coming to? 🙁
He’ll only do a year!! 😮
Scum .hope he gets beat up in prison
Does this mean that our council of secrets are still paying him, from public funds?