Scott vows to fight for job

Ka¯ piti Coast District councillor David Scott is vowing to fight for his job, despite being found guilty of indecently assaulting a female staffer at a council morning tea.

Scott, who pleaded not guilty during his Wellington District Court trial, will seek a discharge without conviction at his sentencing next month.

If successful, Scott could retain his $33,000-a-year job. He insists he won’t voluntarily step down.

Ka¯ piti Coast District Council chief executive Wayne Maxwell said a conviction would be needed if Scott was to be disqualified from office.

If this happened before October 12, it would trigger a byelection, Maxwell confirmed.

On Wednesday, the 71-year-old was found guilty of indecent assault after rubbing his genitals against a female staff member during a morning tea at the council’s Paraparaumu headquarters in April 2017.

Yesterday, Scott said that he planned to attend council meetings and was mulling over a poss- ible appeal. He did not expect to lose his job. ‘‘That would be the worst attack on democratic process in the world.’’

Maxwell said what happened next would depend on sentencing and whether Scott appealed.

‘‘Until the end of that appeal is heard, he will be on a leave of absence. During that time, he cannot act as a councillor.’’

When asked what would happen if Scott returned to council – as he planned to – Maxwell replied: ‘‘Ensuring our people have a safe working environment is my No 1 priority and we have protocols in place – I will not tolerate any unacceptable behaviour.’’

‘‘This is an offence with a maximum penalty of more than two years’ imprisonment. Under the Local Government Act, that means if a conviction is entered at sentencing, and subject to any appeal, Councillor David Scott will be disqualified from office.’’

During the three-day trial, the jury heard Scott had moved behind his victim, who was speaking to Ka¯ piti Mayor K Gurunathan.

The woman, whose name is suppressed, told the jury she was disgusted to feel Scott rubbing his genitals against her as he passed behind her.