Latest news with #MandyClare
Powys County Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Powys County Times
Reform councillor Mandy Clare denies Winsford Pride assault
A hearing into allegations a Reform councillor attacked a security guard at a Pride event and damaged his camera was delayed after she turned up at the wrong court. Mandy Clare appeared at Chester Magistrates Court this afternoon where she pleaded not guilty to charges of assault by beating and criminal damage. But the 54-year-old, along with her defence lawyer and supporters, had initially turned up this morning at Crewe Magistrates, where the hearing was originally due to take place before being moved. It meant the judge and prosecutor were in Chester, and Clare and her defence lawyer were in Crewe. Court staff tried to rectify the situation and set up a video link between the two courts but they were unable to do so due to technical problems. District Court judge John McGarva adjourned the hearing and said it would restart at 2pm in Chester with all parties present. He told the court that a notification of the change of venue had been sent to Clare, who represents Winsford Deane for Reform UK on Cheshire West and Chester Council, in July. When the hearing reconvened at 2pm, Clare, of Malpas, spoke to confirm her name and pleaded not guilty to both charges, claiming 'self-defence'. The charges relate to incidents alleged to have taken place on Saturday, June 28, at the Winsford Pride event at Marina Island, where the prosecution alleges Clare attacked Richard Welsh and damaged his camera. She will return to magistrates court on December 16 for a two-day trial and was released on bail, under the condition she does not contact Mr Welsh.
The Independent
10-07-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Reform councillor suspended after being charged with assault at Pride event
A Reform councillor has been suspended from her job with an MP after being charged with assault following an incident at a Pride event. Mandy Clare, who worked in the office of Sarah Pochin, is due to appear in court on 8 August after being arrested at Winsford Pride on 28 June. She was charged with assault and criminal damage and was later released on bail. A spokesperson for Mrs Pochin, the MP for Runcorn and Helsby, said the office has a 'zero-tolerance policy' for 'disorderly' conduct. 'On 29th June 2025, we were made aware of serious allegations involving a member of staff. She was immediately suspended from her position pending the outcome of the investigation', the spokesperson said. 'We operate a zero-tolerance policy towards any suggestion of disorderly or inappropriate conduct. 'While we fully respect the right to due process and a fair hearing, it would not be appropriate for the individual to continue in her role at this time.' A spokesperson for Cheshire Police said police were called to reports of a disturbance at Winsford Pride around 4.30pm on Saturday, 28 June. They said: 'Officers attended and arrested a 54-year-old woman. Amanda Clare, of Malpas, has since been charged with assault and criminal damage. 'Clare has been bailed and is next due to appear at Crewe Magistrates' Court on Friday 8 August.' They added it was important to remind people that criminal proceedings against Clare are live and that she has a right to a fair trial. 'It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice ongoing proceedings,' they said. Ms Clare's suspension comes just days after Reform MP James McMurdock said he will not return to the party after resigning the whip over questions related to Covid loans. The MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock 'removed the party whip from himself' last week, pending the outcome of an investigation relating to allegations around 'business propriety during the pandemic'. It follows an investigation by The Sunday Times that alleged two businesses connected to Mr McMurdock took out Covid-19 loans totalling £70,000 during the pandemic, one of which had no employees. Mr McMurdock is the second Reform MP to leave the party following the departure of Rupert Lowe earlier this year, who now also sits as an independent. Mr Lowe was expelled from Reform in March amid allegations of bullying, which he has strongly denied.
BBC News
09-07-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Reform councillor accused of assault suspended from job with MP
A Reform councillor due to appear in court on assault charges has been suspended from her job with a Reform Clare, who represents Winsford Dene for Reform UK on Cheshire West and Chester Council, was arrested at the town's Pride event on 28 June and subsequently charged with assault and criminal Clare, of Malpas, was bailed and is due to appear at Crewe Magistrates' Court on 8 54-year-old is currently employed in the office of Sarah Pochin, the Reform MP for Runcorn and Helsby, but a spokesman for Mrs Pochin said Clare had been suspended pending the outcome of criminal proceedings. He said: "On June 29 we were made aware of serious allegations involving a member of staff. She was immediately suspended from her position pending the outcome of the investigation."We operate a zero-tolerance policy towards any suggestion of disorderly or inappropriate conduct."While we fully respect the right to due process and a fair hearing, it would not be appropriate for the individual to continue in her role at this time."A statement by Cheshire Police and the Crown Prosecution Service said: "We would like to remind everyone that criminal proceedings against Clare are live and that she has a right to a fair trial."It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice ongoing proceedings." Read more stories from Cheshire on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC North West on X. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
