A by-election will occur in Kent following the absence of a councillor, James Hall, accused with 25 sexual offences against children and further charges, from six months of meetings.
Councillor James Hall, representing the Murston ward on Swale Borough Council, has not attended any meetings for six consecutive months, with his last attendance recorded on April 3.
James Hall, residing on Tonge Road in Sittingbourne, has served as a councillor since 2015.
A Swale Borough Council spokesperson said: “A by-election to elect a new councillor for the Murston ward is due to be held within 35 working days of Friday 4 October 2024.
“This is due to Cllr James Hall being unable to attend meetings of the council for a period of six consecutive months from the date of his last meeting, which means the seat is vacant under the Local Government Act 1972.”
Along with the child sex offence charges James Hall also faces a charge of rape of a woman; a charge of indecently assaulting a woman; and sexual assault of a woman. His case was sent for trial and James Hall was released on conditional bail.
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 111 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.