Editor's comment
T here's no doubt that Nicolette Tossell's decision to resign from Combe Martin Parish Council is the correct one, following her conviction by North Devon magistrates for racial harrassment.
Ex-councillor Tossell had argued her innocence in court and may still proclaim her innocence to this day. But the fact remains that having considered the evidence and listened to both sides the magistrates ruled against her.
That is the moment that Mrs Tossell should have tendered her resignation. She would still have the option of appealing against her conviction in order to clear her name.
In her statement to the parish council she says she had decided to resign several weeks ago. If that's the case then why has she waited so long to do it? The effect has been to drag out the saga in a way that must have been embarrassing for her parish council colleagues and has certainly not helped heal the wounds created by the prosecution of this case.
Comments
by supplied, by my computer in North Devon
Thursday, April 30 2009, 5:49PM
“WELL PUT.
Sadly due to the aftermath of this event and seeing how those who put their names to comments are being got at, taunted and even threatened by those who hide behind silly psuedonims l've had to remain anonynous. If this forum required people to register and put their names to their comments perhaps the content would be more considered. Although l've seen the journal have removed many offensive comments, some have still been there for a considerable time. I assume some are worthy of passing on to the police?
This registration should perhaps also apply to voting, it would have been very easy for the National Front, or similar to have rigged this vote and then where would we be? I still find it difficult to accept that 14% of those who voted think this behaviour worthy of a public representitive.”