A suspended DUP councillor who was arrested on suspicion of child sexual grooming is not being investigated by the watchdog for local authority members.
May 12th, 2022.
William Walker (59), who sits on Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC), was arrested at the end of February on suspicion of attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming. He was later released on bail pending further inquiries.
The allegations stem from claims made to the PSNI/RUC by so called 'paedophile hunters' based in England.
Paedophile Hunters: Are non-profit organisation based in England.
The self-styled group use what they call "decoys" to pose as under-age children and wait to be contacted by adults.
DUP councillor William Walker stands accused of child sexual grooming.
The DUP suspended Mr Walker from the party pending the outcome of the police investigation.
The office for the *orthern Ireland Local Government for Commissioner of Standards (LGCS) has now confirmed it has not received a complaint to investigate.
"All council representatives must sign a code of conduct agreement before taking office," said a LGCS spokesperson.
"Councillors who come under scrutiny can receive sanctions, suspensions and a maximum five-year ban from standing for election.
"The LGCS deals directly with councillors who may have acted below the code of conduct.
"However, it relies on a complaint being made by the council, other councillors or even members of the public."
Mr Walker, who is a former mayor of the legacy Newry and Mourne District Council, remains a councillor on NMDDC.
With many thanks to the: Belfast Telegraph and Donal McMahon (freelance journalist), Local Democracy Reporter, for the original publication.
Follow these links to find out more on this story and more information surrounding Paedophile Hunters: DUP silent on Ian (Óg) Paisley's criticism of BBC 'Paedophile Hunter' investigation
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