The East Cowes Town Council meeting was disrupted last night (Thursday) after a man refused to leave and police were called.
Simon Wheeler entered East Cowes Town Hall part way through the full council meeting yesterday, taking a seat and refusing to leave when asked.
12-month restraining order
He had previously been convicted of using threatening, abusive and insulting words with the intent to cause fear of unlawful violence towards Cllr Karl Love, a member of both the Isle of Wight Council and East Cowes Town Council.
As part of the conditions of his conviction, Wheeler was given a 12-month restraining order.
Asked to leave the meeting
The meeting was adjourned while the mayor of East Cowes and other members of the council asked him to leave.
Cllr Love and other members of the town council claimed Wheeler should not be in the room and some members attempted to persuade him to leave.
Members of the public attending the meeting about Norris Castle then told Mr Wheeler to leave.
Police arrived
Mr Wheeler left the building before police arrived, but remained outside to talk to officers.
Police were called at 6.22pm, with three units attending, receiving a report that a man had allegedly breached a restraining order.
Cllr Love returned to the meeting and apologised for the commotion.
Man arrested
Police have today (Friday) confirmed a 55-year-old man has been arrested following the incident on suspicions of breaching a restraining order and remains in custody.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
