William Walker: DUP councillor arrested on suspicion of child sexual grooming not being investigated by local government watchdog

A suspended DUP councillor who was arrested on suspicion of kid sexual grooming will not be being investigated by the watchdog for native authority members.

illiam Walker (59), who sits on Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC), was arrested on the finish of February on suspicion of making an attempt to satisfy a toddler following sexual grooming. He was later launched on bail pending additional inquiries.

The allegations stem from claims made to the PSNI by so known as ‘paedophile hunters’ based mostly in England.

The self-styled group use what they name “decoys” to pose as under-age youngsters and wait to be contacted by adults.

The DUP suspended Mr Walker from the occasion pending the result of the police investigation.

The workplace for the Northern Eire Native Authorities for Commissioner of Requirements (LGCS) has now confirmed it has not obtained a grievance to analyze.

“All council representatives should signal a code of conduct settlement earlier than taking workplace,” mentioned a LGCS spokesperson.

“Councillors who come below scrutiny can obtain sanctions, suspensions and a most five-year ban from standing for election.

“The LGCS offers instantly with councillors who could have acted under the code of conduct.

“Nevertheless, it depends on a grievance being made by the council, different councillors and even members of the general public.”

Mr Walker, who’s a former mayor of the legacy Newry and Mourne District Council, stays a councillor on NMDDC.