Torridge District Councillor found guilty of two charges at Exeter Magistrates Court

Councillor Leonard Ford, ward member for Appledore, was found guilty of two charges at Exeter Magistrates Court on Friday 13 December 2024.

Councillor Ford was charged with:

• Persistently make use of public communication network to cause annoyance/ inconvenience/ anxiety.
• Harassment without violence.

Councillor Ford was found to be guilty on both counts and is now remanded on conditional bail to appear before Exeter Magistrates Court on 15 January 2025 for sentencing.

Steve Hearse, Chief Executive Officer, Torridge District Council, said:

"Councillor Ford has undertaken a sustained campaign of intimidating and bullying behaviour towards our staff and Councillors.  As a Council, and as an employer, we will not condone these actions.  The health, safety and wellbeing of our staff and Councillors is paramount.

It is unfortunate that action through the legal system was necessary.  The Council's only remedy for dealing with such poor behaviour is through the Standards system.  Whilst Councillor Ford's actions were dealt with internally through this process by the Standards Committee in 2022 the limited sanctions available through this legislation did nothing to stop or modify Councillor Ford's behaviour and the intervention through the court system was the only avenue available.

It is imperative that we can achieve and deliver the Council's ambitious plans with senior officers, staff and Councillors working together side by side with mutual respect.

We welcome the verdict and hope that Councillor Ford can abide by a code of conduct that is fitting of the privileged position of being a councillor and a representative of the electorate.  Our staff and Councillors deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, free from bullying, harassment and victimisation."

Councillor Ken James, Leader of Torridge District Council, said:

"I welcome the decision which finds Councillor Leornard Ford, Appledore Ward, guilty of "Persistently make(ing) use of public communications network to cause annoyance, inconvenience, anxiety and Harassment without violence."

The health and wellbeing of our staff and Members is paramount.  Everyone has the right to be treated with respect and dignity, free from bullying, harassment and victimisation.

As a Councillor, and as leader of Torridge District Council, I strongly believe that we should live and uphold the ethical values and standards expected of Public Life.  As Councillors, we sign up to a set of principles, which include Accountability, Openness, Honesty and Leadership - which clearly states that 'holders of public office should exhibit these principles in their own behaviour and treat others with respect.  They should actively promote and robustly support the principles and challenge poor behaviour wherever it occurs.'

It is disappointing that taking legal action in this case was the only avenue available to us.  I do hope that this will be an end to the unnecessary harassment."