Councillor charged with FOI offences

A Thanet councillor is facing trial for destroying records of a system to catch the owners of fouling dogs.

Suzanne Brimm faces three charges related to Freedom of Information requests for details about a dog DNA scheme, including getting rid of records so that they could not be disclosed. It is believed to be the first time that anyone has been charged under Section 77 of the Freedom of Information Act.

Cllr Brimm, previously a Ukip member before becoming Independent, has denied the charges and will go on trial at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on Sept 3.