Thanet councillor says he is victim of 'homophobic hate campaign'
A SENIOR Tory at Thanet council has been cautioned by police after leaving a message on the phone of another councillor saying "with any luck you'll get Aids".
Ken Gregory, the Conservative member for Garlinge, targeted John Worrow, an ex-Tory who leads the Thanet Independent Group (Tig).
The former chairman of Thanet council's planning committee and shadow cabinet member was cautioned by police on Wednesday.
A Kent Police spokesman confirmed: "A 59-year-old man from Monkton was cautioned last night for offences of malicious communication."
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The Birchington South councillor branded the incident part of a "homophobic hate campaign" against him.
Mr Worrow said: "There is absolutely no justification whatsoever for that kind of behaviour towards anyone regardless of their race, religion, gender or sexuality, and I expect a full apology at the next council meeting.
"Mr Gregory cannot possibly remain a member of the Conservative Party or a member of Thanet District Council. I hope this does not trigger a further hate campaign."
Mr Worrow has been embroiled in bitter battles with Conservative councillors since leaving the Tories, and his vote helped Labour gain control of Thanet council in December.
A further police investigation was launched this week into homophobic comments made on Labour councillor Mike Harrison's Facebook page.
Mr Harrison, Labour's Newington representative, has denied referring to independent councillor Ian Driver as a "shirt-lifting gender-bender" in a post on his page.
He claims his account was hacked.
The 67-year-old is the joint longest-serving Labour member, and refused assistance in tracking down the hackers he alleges to have posted the controversial comments.
Labour leader Clive Hart declined to comment while the investigation continues.
Comments
by MrSwing
Friday, June 01 2012, 9:27AM
“Stupid thing to do but where is the investigation and trial.Such is the state of Justice in this country that the Police can decide you are guilty and issue a punishment without any recourse
to the law of the land.
Welcome to Police State Britain land of the offended and land of summary justice.”