An Allerdale councillor who was kicked out of the Independent Group after he was convicted for a string of offences which included hurling homophobic abuse towards police officers has again appeared in court.
Peter Little, 37, who represents the Maryport South ward on the borough council, was removed from the Allerdale Independent Group after he threatened neighbours during a parking dispute in May and abused police officers.
His behaviour included threatening to spit at officers and hurling homophobic abuse at female officers.
Magistrates sentenced him last month to 12 weeks custody, suspended for 12 months.
Any councillor who is given a sentence – suspended or otherwise – of three months or longer is automatically removed from office under Section 80 of the Local Government Act 1972.
Legally a three-month sentence equates to 13 weeks, not 12, which means the legislation did not apply in this context.
However, Little again appeared in court yesterday and admitted sending an email that was grossly offensive, indecent, obscene or menacing.
The offence took place on September 4.
Little, of Grasmere Terrace in Maryport, was remanded on unconditional bail ahead of his next court appearance. The sentencing was adjourned to allow for a pre-sentence report to take place.
He will next appear in court on October 18.
Maryport councillor given suspended jail term for homophobic abuse towards police
Allerdale councillor subjected police to ‘volley of abuse’ while drunk
Allerdale Independent Group remove councillor after conviction
