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Ex-mayor arrested at own 60th party
11:50pm Friday 5th September 2008
FORMER Ledbury mayor Noel Roberts was arrested at his own 60th birthday party in the town’s community hall for obstructing the police.
His wife Councillor Jayne Roberts, also a former mayor, said: “They wanted Noel off the premises, saying he was a disruptive influence.”
The officers drove Mr Roberts home from Saturday’s celebration and told him not to return.
Now, Mr Roberts is planning to lodge a formal complaint to West Mercia Constabulary but the police have reported him for summons to the Crown Prosecution Service.
Mr Roberts was standing in the doorway of the community hall when police tried to enter and he demanded to see their warrant.
He said: “Two policemen almost ran at me. They threw me to one side. I think they thought I was a bouncer, not the host.
“They stopped the band playing and tried to stop the party. I said they had no right and needed a warrant to come in.”
But unknown to Mr Roberts at the time, his wife had invited the police in to look around.
Mr Roberts said: “I was so embarrassed the following morning.”
Guests at the party included the present Mayor of Ledbury, Keith Francis, and other councillors. Coun Francis said: “I told the police that it was a well-organised private family party, attended by respectable members of the community.”
Businessman Andy Jones said: “There was an over zealous approach by the visiting police officers and Noel took umbrage.
“It should not have happened. This was no wild party.”
Coun Jo Cooper said the manner of the police in talking to Mr Roberts had been abrupt.
There was loud music because the party was a joint celebration to mark the 18th birthday of Mr and Mrs Roberts’ son Oliver.
Police said they went to the community hall following reports that up to eight youths were scuffling outside.
Mr and Mrs Roberts said there was a group of unruly youngsters outside the building but they were not guests at the party.
Police spokesman Peter Butcher confirmed that one man had been arrested for obstructing officers in their duty.
Mr Roberts was “de-arrested” and driven home only because there was no room in the cells at Leominster.
Your Say Your Worcester
mumoffour, worcester says...
8:25am Sat 6 Sep 08
molecat, worcester says...
9:20am Sat 6 Sep 08
Unfortunately most of our councillors also forget they are servants of the people and show a high degree of arrogance - so in this case I have very little sympathy!
Alan2, Worcester says...
1:53pm Sat 6 Sep 08
molecat, your first sentence also indicates a case of "jumping to the gun" without knowing the full facts though I would certainly agree with regard to the uniform aspect.
If I were to "jump the gun" with regard to the ex mayor, the Editor would not retain this blog but we should all know about mayors, ex mayors and small town coppers and who thinks they lord it over the other. We know what we have read, let's wait and see the end result but it is interesting that this found it's way into the paper and why - I bet it was not the Police who divulged it to the WN.
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jb, worcester says...
12:44am Sat 6 Sep 08