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, but he remains a councillor for Aberdeen’s Torry/Ferryhill ward.
Yesterday, the Standards Commission for Scotland announced Donnelly would 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 waiter during his December trial. However, he was found guilty of sexually assaulting the man.
READ MORE: Council Depute Provost claims sex offender will face 'witch hunt'
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 eight months supervision and ordered to complete unpaid work and pay £800 compensation.
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 (above) 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.
READ MORE: Exhibition from Aberdeen records highlights the trials of poverty-stricken women
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.
Earlier this month independent councillor Jennifer Stewart, who has replaced Donnelly as Depute Lord Provost, urged against a “witch hunt to try and get rid of” the politician, stating: “That’s what I see is going to happen to Alan. Whether he chooses to remain is his decision.”
However, SNP group leader Alex Nicoll said: “The people of Aberdeen, the people of Scotland will think that is the right thing that should be happening. He should be resigning and leaving office now.”
READ MORE: Tory Holocaust denial probe not yet concluded and councillor still earns salary
And LibDem group leader Ian Yuill commented: “There is no place on Aberdeen City Council for a convicted sex offender.
“Councillor Donnelly should have resigned the day he was convicted, or when the urgent business committee unanimously called for him to go and he should certainly resign today.
“There is no witch hunt. This is about what is best for Aberdeen, it’s citizens and the staff of the council.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel