Bid to become MLA by banned councillor with criminal history

A politician who is barred from being a councillor due to his repeated criminal convictions is now attempting to become an MLA.
Councillor Patrick Clarke appearing at Downpatrick Courthouse in 2015Councillor Patrick Clarke appearing at Downpatrick Courthouse in 2015
Councillor Patrick Clarke appearing at Downpatrick Courthouse in 2015

Patrick Clarke, formerly a councillor in Newry Mourne and Down, left the Alliance Party in February 2015, with the Down Recorder stating he had explained his decision on “health grounds”.

Later that year, he pleaded guilty to sexual assault, criminal damage, swindling nearly £2,000 from a community group, and of possession of an offensive weapon.

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He got suspended jail sentences, probation, and a small fine.

On October 15 last year it was reported that he had stepped down from the council.

Then on October 20 it was reported that the council said his resignation had only been made verbally, and that he had withdrawn it.

The same day the Northern Ireland Local Government Commissioner for Standards banned him – with immediate effect – from being a councillor for three years, finding that he had brought his office into “disrepute”, and had shown little “insight” into his behaviour.

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In a statement on Tuesday, the Castlewellan man issued a four page statement listing his policies, and drawing to a conclusion by acknowledging “judgements of error”.

He will stand as MLA for South Down as an independent.

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