A Sinn Féin councillor has been suspended from his position for two months by the Local Government Commission for Standards following an Adjudication Hearing today, Friday 28 March.
Councillor Cathal King, who sits on Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has been sanctioned after he was arrested in Newry city centre in the early hours of 6 July 2024 for being in charge of a vehicle with excess alcohol.
Councillor King pleaded guilty to the offence and was ordered to pay a fine of £200. He also received 10 penalty points on his licence.
Commissioner Margaret Kelly found that the offence, which was reported in the media, was "likely to have to have diminished the trust and confidence that the public places in him as a councillor".
However, she found that his conduct and subsequent conviction had "not brought his Council into disrepute".
She was satisfied that he had breached paragraph 4.2 of the Local Government Code of Conduct for Councillors, which states: "You must not conduct yourself in a manner which could reasonably be regarded as bringing your position as a councillor, or your Council, into disrepute."
In considering what sanction to apply, Ms Kelly noted the mitigating factors in the case, which included Councillor King referring himself to the Commissioner’s office prior to his conviction, his cooperation with the investigation and adjudication process, and the fact that he had shown remorse for his actions.
Due to the Councillor’s cooperation, the Commissioner’s office was able to complete the investigation and adjudication process within 8 months of the Councillor’s self-referral.
However, although the Councillor was not charged or convicted of an offence of driving with excess alcohol, he pleaded guilty to and was convicted of being in charge of a motor vehicle while over the legal limit for alcohol consumption.
The Commissioner said that "this remains a serious rather than a minor criminal offence."
Having considered the sanctions available and taking account of the need to uphold confidence in the standards regime, the Commissioner believed that suspension for a period of 2 months, to end on 31 May 2025, was a necessary and proportionate sanction.
Councillor King may appeal to the High Court against this decision in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014.
A Sinn Féin spokesperson said: “Cllr King self-reported to the Local Government Commissioner for Standards and has cooperated fully with the process.
“He accepts the outcome of the Commissioner’s findings.
“Sinn Féin's internal process which was paused pending the outcome of this determination will now recommence.
“Cllr King deeply regrets and has apologised for his actions.”
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