Councillor forced out after 'sick joke' about dead police officers
A DERBYSHIRE councillor has been removed from his post after making disparaging remarks about two police officers shot dead in Manchester.
Councillor David Stephenson made a joke about PCs Fiona Bone and Nicola Hughes who died last week in a gun and grenade attack.
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Councillor David Stephenson
He made the comment in front of the wife of a serving police sergeant who was upset by what he said and told her husband.
Her husband, who lives in Ilkeston and serves with Nottinghamshire police, claimed Mr Stephenson had said: "If you get 100 points for shooting one police woman and 200 points for shooting two police women, how many do you get for shooting a lawyer?"
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Mr Stephenson admitted he made the remarks, which he regretted.
He said: "It was a tasteless comment or sick joke that someone makes off the cuff for which I apologise. I have always been an enthusiast for banning what I term 'short weapons' which includes pistols and sawn-off shotguns.
"I am totally against the use of guns in any shape or form and no-one should have been exposed to them in the way that those two lady police officers were."
Mr Stephenson said he made the comment because he saw the women smoking outside a council office, and he is very anti-smoking.
The officer, Sergeant Jason Farrar, said he called Mr Stephenson to confront him about the joke and claims he was told to "go away you silly man".
The officer contacted Derbyshire police federation, MP Jessica Lee and Erewash Borough Council leader Chris Corbett to complain about Mr Stephenson's remarks.
Councillor Corbett said: "I was appalled to learn of the words used by Councillor Stephenson to a lady who unbeknown to him was the wife of a serving police officer.
"I have taken immediate and severe action by removing him from his post as a lead member of the council and he will no longer serve on the council executive. It is not possible to remove him as a borough councillor as he has been elected by residents in his constituency.
"However, his name has been removed from the list of approved Conservative candidates and he will not be allowed to stand for re-election.
"As regards to his position as a member of the Conservative Group, there are rules which have to be followed, however disciplinary procedures have already begun.
"I support the police completely in the difficult job they do serving our communities and want residents to know that the words used by Councillor Stephenson do not reflect the opinions of the Conservative Party."
Comments
by peeley69
Saturday, September 29 2012, 1:26AM
“He should have resigned completley and he should have known better”
by peeley69
Saturday, September 29 2012, 1:25AM
“He should resign from office completley he should have known better.”
by mof_gedling
Wednesday, September 26 2012, 12:14AM
“its a joke , get real, i vote for frankie boyle to be a member of the council,”
by Christ
Tuesday, September 25 2012, 11:23PM
“What's all the fuss about? Get a sense of humour! A sense of black humour or is that politically incorrect?”
by Christ
Tuesday, September 25 2012, 11:21PM
“What's all the fuss about? Get a sense of humour! A sense of black humour or is that politically incorrect?”
by Christ
Tuesday, September 25 2012, 11:20PM
“What's all the fuss about? Get a sense of humour! A sense of black humour or is that politically incorrect?”
by Benny_Crossrd
Tuesday, September 25 2012, 4:50PM
“Typical Tory.”
by Weatherman
Tuesday, September 25 2012, 10:42AM
“Bad joke, lame excuse and stupid remark to the copper who confronted him. I'm sure you get this kind of idiot in any political party or walk of life. The party leader seems to have done everything to make up for it but one thing does bother me. This has been pursued big time by the offended copper. I hope he doesn't squeal too loud if ever someone with a grievance does the same to him if he happens to say 'go away you silly man'.”
by Crlton1
Tuesday, September 25 2012, 10:16AM
“Radford_NG – This is not a freedom of speech issue. Nobody has said that Conservatives do not have the right to say horrible things and offend people. Of course they do and I will defend their right to do so but the public also has a right to reject such views.”
by DunkirkPie
Tuesday, September 25 2012, 9:15AM
“I think the reference to "lady police officers" tells you everything you need to know about Councillor Stephenson.”