William Eichler 01 November 2022

Sexual assault conviction prompts investigation

An independent investigation has been launched by East Devon District Council after a former councillor was convicted of sexually assaulting two teenage boys.

The council has appointed Verita Consulting Ltd to investigate the actions of staff and councillors in the handling of matters relating to former councillor John Humphreys and to make recommendations for improvements.

Mr Humphreys was a former mayor of Exmouth and was an East Devon District Councillor from 2007 to 2019. He was imprisoned for 21 years after being convicted in August 2021 of sexually assaulting two teenage boys in the early 1990s and early 2000s.

The council made Mr Humphreys an Honorary Alderman in December 2019, but voted to remove his honorary title following his conviction.

It is anticipated that a report on the investigation will be delivered to the council in early 2023.

#Crime #HR #Abuse

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