Council candidate given a 3 month suspended sentence!

Kevin Roy West (47) a former BNP candidate of Glenmore Grove, Dukinfield, who is standing as an 'independent' candidate in the Tameside elections today, appeared before Tameside magistrates on Tuesday and was given a three-month gaol sentence suspended for 12 months after being convicted of 'racially aggravated harassment' of his next-door neighbour, Mr. Bernd Kugow.

West who pleaded not guilty at an earlier hearing but offered no defence, was also put under curfew between the hours of 7.00 p.m. and 7.00 a.m., and electronically tagged. The court also ordered that West undertake 100 hours unpaid community work and pay costs of £250. A restraining order was also imposed which bars West from any contact with Mr. Kugow or his partner.

We understand that Mr. West is also facing further legal proceedings - which have been adjourned - involving a complaint of harassment against a prominent Tameside councillor. The rules on sub judice prevent us from reporting further on this case which is set to go to full trial next month.