New Romney Town Council Statement – Councillor Guilty Verdict

NEW ROMNEY TOWN COUNCIL STATEMENT – COUNCILLOR GUILTY VERDICT

On Thursday 29th June 2023, at Maidstone Crown Court, New Romney Town Councillor, Russell Tillson, was found guilty of historic sex offences and has been bailed pending sentencing.

New Romney Town Council absolutely does not condone any criminal act, nor will it support any Councillor who may engage in in any criminal act. However, following confirmation of charges against one of its Councillors in 2022, New Romney Town Council did not seek to take steps to suspend the Councillor pending the outcome of trial, for the following reasons:

1) In British Law, the accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt (in a Court of Law)

2) The Town Council has no power or authority under British Law to suspend any democratically elected Member from Office for any reason

The afore-mentioned Councillor has been a long-standing Member of New Romney Town Council, and currently may remain a serving Councillor, under UK law, until at least such time as sentencing takes place and the outcome of sentencing is known.

In light of the afore-mentioned guilty verdict, if the sentence handed down in due course involves serving a gaol term in excess of three months duration, this will result in disqualification from serving as a Councillor and the seat on New Romney Town Council will be declared vacant. The District Council Returning Officer will be duly notified and Vacancy Notices will then be published. However, should a lesser sentence be received, this would not result in disqualification from office.

New Romney Town Council