Former deputy leader in court over 3am car smash
Ex-council boss tells of his ‘deep regret’
AFORMER deputy leader of Rossendale Council has spoken of his regret after being hauled before a court for crashing into three parked cars and leaving the scene.
Councillor Sean Serridge, 32, caused extensive damage in the incident and then left his BMW behind at the site of the crash.
The Labour councillor, who represents Healey and Whitworth and is also a Lancashire county councillor, was sentenced to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work. He pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention, failing to stop after an accident and failing to report an accident to police within 24 hours at Burnley Magistrates Court.
After the hearing, Coun Serridge spoke of his ‘deep regret’ over the incident.
He told the Free Press: “An accident is a shock and people do make mistakes. I deeply regret any inconvenience caused.”
Council leader Alyson Barnes said it was a ‘personal matter’ which had been dealt with by the courts.
AVALLEY councillor who crashed his BMW into three parked cars before leaving the scene has been ordered to carry out unpaid work.
Sean Serridge, of The Moorlands, Bacup, collided with a Nissan Duke, Peugeot 107 and Toyota Celica on Rosehill Road in Burnley.
The incident happened shortly after 3am on May 1 this year and the crash caused ‘extensive damage’ to the cars.
The Healey and Whit- worth Rossendale ward councillor and Lancashire county councillor then abandoned his BMW at the scene before later being identified as the owner and driver by police.
Former deputy council leader Serridge, 32, pleaded guilty at Burnley Magistrates Court on Tuesday, August 23, to driving without due care and attention, failing to stop after and accident and failing to report an accident to police within 24 hours.
He was given a 12-month community order with 80 hours unpaid work and ordered to pay £85 costs and an £85 victim surcharge.
He was also given eight penalty points on his driving licence.
In a statement after the court hearing, Coun Serridge told the Free Press: “An accident is a shock and people do make mistakes.
“I deeply regret any inconvenience caused.
“I contacted the police later the same day to sort everything out.
“I didn’t expect the letter to say they were looking at pressing charges nearly four months after the accident.
“However, I’ve always said, regardless of whether it’s accidental, you have to accept the consequences.”
Rossendale Council leader and Labour Party group leader Alyson Barnes said: “It’s a personal matter and it’s been dealt with appropriately by the court.”
In May 2005 Coun Serridge made history when he became the youngest county councillor at the age of 21.
He was elected again as a Lancashire County councillor in May 2013 after losing his seat and joined Rossendale borough council representing the Healey and Whitworth ward in a by election in October 2010.
He was deputy leader of Rossendale Council’s controlling Labour group from 2011 to 2015 when he was replaced by Christine Lamb.
He was also elected on to Whitworth Town Council for the first time in 2011. He was also portfolio holder for legal and democratic services from 2015/2016.
Coun Serridge retained his Rossendale Council ward seat last year and currently serves on the appointments and appeals committee, governance working group and the Whitworth Neighbourhood Forum.
Rossendale Borough Council and Lancashire County Council declined to comment when contacted by the Free Press.