Councillor Greg Stone to be cleared of any wrongdoing

May 29 2009 by Adam Jupp, The Journal

It states: "He explained that there was inevitably ‘banter’ or gossip between them in the office or pub, which he joined in, about what was going on at different local authorities and about the views and characters of local politicians, and their relationships with each other. He quite regularly met other colleagues from the firm, either in Newcastle or elsewhere.

"He conceded it was possible, although unlikely, that views he may have expressed in this informal way may have influenced to some extent the content of this document. He said, however, that even in this context he would not, and did not, discuss specific planning applications in Newcastle or how particular members might vote on them."

Mr Ovens concludes his report by backing Coun Stone’s assertions he did nothing wrong.

The report concludes: "On the basis of the evidence obtained during my investigation, I am bound to conclude that on a balance of probabilities (being the correct test to apply here) Coun Stone did not directly or intentionally assist in the preparation of the document.

"Whilst the information given in the document clearly required a knowledge of members of the DC Committee going beyond that held by any ordinary member of the public, I cannot conclude that it comprised any information which could only have been known by Coun Stone."

But Mr Ovens, in finding he had not breached council protocols, concludes Coun Stone should have had a greater appreciation that his "gossiping" about other councillors could have assisted in the production of the document in question.

Coun Stone could not be contacted for comment.

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