BNP Redditch councillor keeps seat despite assault convictions

Sonia Gable | Wednesday, 7 March 2007 Source: Searchlight

Yet another British National Party councillor has been found guilty of a violent crime. But David Enderby's conviction does not disqualify him from office and he has refused to resign his seat on Redditch council.

Enderby, who won a seat in Winyates ward last May, was found guilty of three counts of assault by beating at a trial at Kidderminster Magistrates' Court in January. He was fined £100 for each offence and ordered to pay £100 costs.

The assaults took place last June at a birthday party at his mother-in-law's house. The court heard that Enderby, 45, had entered the house despite his estranged wife and her mother telling him not to. Mrs Enderby said he swore and glared at her, then grabbed her mother by the arms and pushed her aside to get inside.

He then pushed Mrs Enderby into the wall saying, "I have had enough of you, I am going to get you". Three people suffered bruises in the ensuing struggle before Enderby, a former soldier, was thrown out.

Councillors from other parties are unhappy that Enderby, the only BNP member on Redditch council, will keep his seat. He would have been automatically disqualified if he had received a prison sentence of at least three months.

He could also have been suspended or banned from office for up to five years if he had breached the councillors' Code of Conduct. However the code only covers councillors who misbehave when performing their duties or misuse their status for private gain.

Councillor Diane Thomas, a Liberal Democrat on Redditch council, said: "I'm not happy about this at all. He will keep his position on the council despite being found guilty of violent offences. I hope the people of Winyates think very carefully before voting next."

Conservative group leader Carole Gandy said: "The rules state a councillor must receive a certain sentence or have committed the offences in his councillor capacity to be removed from the council.

"But because of the violent nature of these crimes, it can't help but reflect badly on the council. There's nothing we can do to change the rules so it's up to Winyates people to show their feelings when voting."

Enderby said: "This was a personal matter and nothing to do with my council position. I will not step down and will continue serving people in Winyates."

Unless Enderby changes his mind, the people of Winyates will have to put up with this thug until 2010.