A NORTH East Conservative councillor has resigned two days after taking office amid revelations that he was found guilty in court of assaulting his wife earlier this year.
Cllr Gordon Cranney, who represented the Seaton ward for Hartlepool Borough Council, was officially re-elected as a council representative on Friday (May 6).
Despite his re-election as a councillor, news of a court appearance for assault by beating broke just before the results were confirmed.
Read more: Hartlepool councillor who appeared in court a week ago allowed to stand at election
The appearance at Teesside Magistrates' Court on April 28 related to an incident on February 6 of this year in Hartlepool that is alleged to have involved Mr Cranney “assaulting” a woman by “beating her”, according to documents.
In court, the Conservative councillor was handed a 24-month community order, referred to a Building Better Relationships programme, as well as having to pay a victim surcharge of £95 and paying costs of £85.
Despite the councillor initially standing for re-election, an announcement from both Mr Cranney and the Hartlepool Conservative Party today (May 8) confirmed his departure from the political party.
Taking to social media Hartlepool Conservative Party posted the statement: “Hartlepool Conservatives confirm that former Councillor, Gordon Cranney has today resigned his position.
“We will be selecting a candidate to fight the upcoming By-election in the Seaton Ward in the coming weeks.”
Mr Cranney backed this up with his own statement that was circulated on other people's social media pages, which stated: "As many people will have seen reported on Thursday of last week I pleaded guilty to common assault (I grabbed my wife's cheeks).
"I would give anything to turn back the clock, to say I am genuinely sorry for my actions does not begin to convey my regrets.
"My wife has stood by me, and I will never be able to repay her compassion.
"I can confirm that Hartlepool Conservatives did not know anything about this until the polling began, I apologise for any embarassment I have caused the party.
"I am formally resigning as a councillor to spend time with my wife and family."
Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
You can also follow our dedicated Teesside Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.
For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.
Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel