Local councillor begins suspension over trespass  

Local Liberal Democrat councillor Martin Mullaney is starting a month long suspension after refusing to apologise for trespass on an historic tram depot on the outskirts of Moseley, Birmingham.

Cllr Mullaney and Cllr Ernie Hendricks were reported to the local government standards board after filming at 582, Moseley Road, Balsall Heath in 2007.

They were attempting to expose the actions of owner Safdar Zaman, who was making unauthorised changes to the listed building - and then uploaded posted a video on Youtube showing the damage that had been caused.

Despite their public spirited actions, the Standards Board accepted Mr Zaman’s argument that the “camcorder councilors” had no right to enter the property, and found in his favour.

Cllr Hendricks accepted his punishment of a month’s suspension immediately, but Cllr Mullaney appealed, then took the issue to the High Court where he sought a judicial review.

Having lost the case, he now faces the month’s ban – which began at midnight. The ban will cost him over £1500 in allowances.