With the Isle of Wight council’s annual budget meeting taking place this afternoon/evening (Wednesday) the Leader of the Conservative Group of councillors, Joe Robertson, is calling for Cllr Daryll Pitcher to step down from Committees and not attend council meetings.
On Monday Cllr Pitcher was found guilty by a jury (11-1) of two counts of rape, which took place at some point between June 1990 and March 1992.
IWC: No powers to remove
The Isle of Wight council told News OnTheWight they have no powers to remove the councillor from his role and would not comment further as Cllr Pitcher was yet to to be sentenced (on 12th April).
Robertson: Brings the council into disrepute
Cllr Robertson told News OnTheWight,
“I think the prospect of Cllr Pitcher attending Council meetings as a convicted rapist is appalling.
“I have emailed him to urge him not to attend and to sand down from Licensing Committee which meets next week. He is chair of that Committee and one of the licensing principles the Committee has to consider is balance of harm to children.
“I think it brings the Council into disrepute by him remaining on that Committee whether he attends or not. This is a situation where Councillors need to do the right thing and speak out.”
Robertson: Sends an atrocious message to women and girls
Cllr Robertson has also written to the Leader of the council, Lora Peacey-Wilcox, asking her to write to Cllr Pitcher on the same terms.
He said
“I think it sends an atrocious message to women and girls across the Island, particularly those who have suffered abuse from men, if a Councillor convicted of rape attends Council meetings and the remaining Councillors (including the Council Leader) stand by as if nothing has happened.”
News OnTheWight contacted Cllr Pitcher on Monday asking whether he intended to remain as a councillor or step down. He has yet to respond.
We have also contacted the leader of the council and will update once we hear back.
