Councillor in court confusion

By a court reporter

Thursday, September 2, 2010

NEWPORT councillor David Whittaker, who has been charged with a sexual activity in a public toilet, will appear before magistrates for a second time after confusion about which court can hear his case.

Cllr Whittaker, 69, of Redstart Close, Newport, appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court last Friday, when he entered a not-guilty plea to the charge, which related to an alleged offence in Carisbrooke High Street’s car park, on June 19.

Cllr Whittaker was committed to the Isle of Wight Crown Court at his request, before a later check by the court on the level of the alleged offence, which found it could only be tried by magistrates.

Cllr Whittaker will appear at the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court, on November 5.