A COUNCILLOR found guilty of sexual assault has been suspended by a standards watchdog.
Former depute provost Alan Donnelly quit the Conservatives after his conviction in December.
He remains councillor for Aberdeen's Torry/Ferryhill ward.
Yesterday, the Standards Commission for Scotland announced he will be suspended from his duties while an investigation is carried out.
The three-month ban was handed down with immediate effect "in the public interest", the watchdog said.
Donnelly denied kissing and touching a man during his December trial. However, he was found guilty of sexually assaulting the waiter.
The incident happened at a formal function while Donnelly was carrying out his civic duties as then-depute provost.
The 65-year-old was placed on the sex offenders register, put under supervision and ordered to complete unpaid work and pay compensation.
READ MORE: Aberdeen depute provost doubts ex-Tory predecessor's sex assault
Yesterday, the Standards Commission said the temporary suspension – which can be extended if necessary – should not be seen as a "disciplinary measure".
In a statement, its convener Kevin Dunion said: “The Code of Conduct is clear about the standards of behaviour expected of councillors at all times.
“While the allegations against Councillor Donnelly have not yet been fully investigated by the ESC [Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland] and are, as such, unsubstantiated, they are of a particularly serious nature.
“We decided that it was in the public interest to impose an interim suspension, to maintain public confidence in the ethical standards framework in Scotland.”
Donnelly was previously part of the local authority's ruling Conservative, Labour and independent administration.
Early this week it emerged that he will not attend any council committee or civic function until the standards inquiry concludes.
The move was announced by Aberdeen Lord Provost Barney Crockett, who said Donnelly had "agreed" to it.
Explaining its reasoning for the suspension, the Standards Commission said it "did not consider that the imposition of an interim suspension would have a significant impact on Councillor Donnelly’s reputation" because press coverage of his trial meant there is "reputational damage already accrued".
The body also stated that the impact of the edict "might be less serious than it otherwise could have been, given he had already been suspended by the council from its committees".
However, it said it had been told that Donnelly may lodge an appeal against his conviction.
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