It was alleged that a Former Member (“the Former Member”) of Gwaun Cae Gurwen Community Council (“the Council”) had breached the Code of Conduct (“the Code”) for members by engaging in several serious criminal offences.
The Ombudsman started an investigation to consider paragraph 6(1)(a) (disrepute) of the Code. Information was obtained from the Council, the Complainant and Dyfed Powys Police (“the Police”). The investigation was suspended while the Police investigated.
The evidence obtained did not substantiate the allegations made against the Former Member. The outcome of the Police investigation was that there would be no criminal charges brought against the Former Member. It was therefore not possible to reach a determination on the allegations, even with further investigation, as to whether there had been a breach of the Code.
Taking into account the information obtained during the investigation, the decision taken by the Police and the Former Member’s resignation, under Section 70 of the Local Government Act 2000, the Ombudsman decided that it was not in the public interest to continue the investigation. Therefore, the investigation was discontinued.