Two days after the official launch of the Vectis Party, one of those featuring in the launch video has been suspended from the Party.
Julian Harris was convicted last Friday in the Isle of Wight Crown Court for the production and supply of cannabis. At an earlier court hearing it was said the 11 plants that had been discovered were worth between £3,000-£9,000.
Messages found on Harris’s mobile phone pointed towards the supply of drugs – which he said were to friends because of the reduced supply on the Island during Covid-19.
Sentenced
Said to have previous convictions but none of this nature, as well as a curfew preventing him from going outdoors between 9pm and 7am on Mondays to Thursdays, Harris was given a 12-month community order and ten rehab days.
Suspended from the Party
Harris has been suspended by Vectis Party pending investigation. News OnTheWight has contacted Daryll Pitcher with some questions and will update once we hear back.
We asked,
- Was his earlier court hearing and upcoming court appearance not something he’d mentioned?
- Did he disclose his previous convictions when he applied to join/stand?
What were the previous convictions for? - What’s the reason you’ve suspended him?
- Does the Vectis Party support or oppose people using cannabis for a) recreation, b) medical reasons?
Mr Pitcher replied,
“The Vectis Party were surprised when reports reached us that Mr Harris had recently been convicted of cannabis related offences. We note that Mr Harris admitted his mistake, accepted guilt and that the justice system has done its job in punishing him.
“This is a serious matter and Mr Harris has fallen well below the standards we expect of those that represent us.
“As such we have suspended him from holding party office or representing the Vectis Party in any way and are reviewing his membership. This action precludes Mr Harris from standing for the Vectis Party in May.”
Update
Mr Harris has since this article was published called to state he is not a member of the Vectis Party – read the update here.
Article edit
1.30pm 13th Jan 2021 – Link to article about not being member added
2.10pm 13th Jan 2021 – Response from Daryll Pitcher added
Source: IW County Press
Image: Aphiwat chuangchoem under CC BY 2.0
