Ellie Ames 31 January 2025

Councillor jailed after ‘campaign of intimidating behaviour’

Councillor jailed after ‘campaign of intimidating behaviour’ image
Councillor Len Ford. Image: Torridge District Council

A Torridge District Council member will face prison after he was found guilty of harassment.

In December, Leonard Ford, 64, was found guilty of persistently making use of a public communication network to cause annoyance, inconvenience or anxiety, and of harassment without violence.

On Wednesday, he was sentenced at Exeter Magistrates Court to 18 weeks in jail.

The Devon council said in December that Cllr Ford had undertaken a ‘sustained campaign of intimidating and bullying behaviour’ towards staff and councillors.

The local authority said intervention through the courts was necessary after its own standards system, with only ‘limited’ sanctions, failed to change Cllr Ford’s behaviour.

Cllr Ford, who is not aligned to a political party, will continue as member for Appledore.

A council spokesperson said: ‘We are currently reviewing the legislation with regards to Mr Ford's position as a councillor.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed the assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First teams, working with our Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152 (Pre-Progression) / Grade 11 £40,777 - £45,091 (Post-Progression)
Are you a nurturing social worker passionate about supporting parents so that children can remain with their birth family?     This could be the right Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administrative Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Administrative Officer to join our busy, friendly team, supporting Children and Young People’s Services. 1 x Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Play Worker

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Lunchtime Play Worker Grade 1 £24,796 pro rata Part Time - 6.25 hour per week, Monday – Friday
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner