Cllr Clive Goddard “relieved” he will NOT be charged for Electoral Violations
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Exclusive
In Oct 2019 and Jan 2020 we brought you posts about Cllr Clive Goddard (Con) (pictured), Cllr for Walland & Denge Marsh and whether he would be charged for potential electoral violations.
We understand that NO charges will be brought against Cllr Goddard.
In Sept/Oct 2019 Cllr Goddard was formally interviewed by Kent Police under caution on suspicion of committing an offence under s65A (1a)(b) – False statement in nomination papers – Representation of the People’s Act 1983, at Folkestone Police Station.
In late Oct 2019, an initial prosecution report regarding Cllr Goddard was sent to the Specialist Crown Prosecution Service reviewing lawyer. As a result of the lawyer’s initial review, a fully evidenced prosecution file was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service team in London in December 2019.
Following a thorough review of the evidence provided to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and recent case law (R v Mackinley & Others 2018 and Jones & Whicher 1999) it has been decided NOT to take any formal action against Cllr Goddard.
As we understand Kent Police have though written to Cllr Goddard and advised him in the strongest of terms that he is NOT entitled to refer to 24 Vinelands as his “home address“. We understand that Cllr Goddard received the letter informing him of the decision not to charge yesterday 12th Feb, 2020.
Cllr Goddard will be given a reasonable amount of time to change his address. In a telephone interview with our public face earlier today, Cllr Goddard said: “I am relieved and nowable to move on and focus on my responsibilities as a Cllr once again.”
