Councillor is arrested after stalking claims
POLITICIAN ALSO ACCUSED OF BREACHING DATA LAWS AND CRIMINAL DAMAGE
A COUNCILLOR has been arrested on suspicion of stalking.
Coun Bob Brierley, who is also accused of breaching data protection laws and criminal damage, has denied any wrongdoing.
The independent representative for Hindley Green, in Wigan, was released under investigation having been taken into custody for several hours on Friday.
It is understood the allegations relate to a current Wigan council officer.
The town hall said it is ‘assisting police with their enquiries.’
Coun Brierley said he was taken from his home to Bury police station for questioning.
He added: “I have done nothing wrong.
“The police told me that the complaint has come from Wigan council.”
Coun Brierley said his computer and handheld devices – both council-owned and personal – have been confiscated by officers as part of the investigation.
A town hall spokesperson said: “We are assisting police with their enquiries and it would be inappropriate to comment further.”
Greater Manchester Police said a 59-year-old man was arrested on Friday on suspicion of stalking, breaching data protection and criminal damage.
An unnamed 48-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of stalking and criminal damage and has been released under investigation, the police said.
A GMP statement added: “As part of the same investigation a 70-year-old man was arrested on January 26, 2018, on suspicion of stalking and was later released under investigation. “Enquiries are ongoing.” Coun Brierley has been a member of Wigan council since 2004 and has been re-elected to his Hindley Green seat on three occasions.