Sex charges councillor suspended

Mr Lightfoot is a Liberal Democrat and deputy mayor for Harrogate

A North Yorkshire councillor has been suspended from his party after appearing in court charged with sex offences involving a girl under 16.

Morris Lightfoot, 55, appeared before magistrates on Wednesday charged with three counts of attempting to incite a girl to engage in sexual activity.

The Liberal Democrat councillor is deputy mayor for Harrogate and also a North Yorkshire County Council member.

In a statement the party confirmed that he had been suspended.

Mr Lightfoot, of Dryden Close, Harrogate, represents the Bilton ward on the borough council and the Bilton and Nidd Gorge ward on the county council.

A statement from North Yorkshire Liberal Democrats said: "This action has been taken under party and group rules and in no way prejudices the outcome of the case.

"Leaders of both groups have stressed that this action has been taken without prejudice and in accordance with Liberal Democrat rules."

Mr Lightfoot was bailed by Harrogate magistrates to appear in court again next month.