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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: Caution for cannabis councillor
Beccles and Bungay Journal
Thursday 17 May 2007 A town councillor arrested for possession of cannabis says he has been “stupid” but plans to remain in his post. Electrician Dale Tomlinson says he does not take drugs and claims that under a technicality he was not a councillor at the time of his arrest. The 37-year-old, from Newgate, Beccles, was elected uncontested to Beccles town council last Thursday after the same number of candidates put themselves forward as the seats available. On Saturday night he was arrested outside the White Horse pub in the town centre during a friend's birthday celebrations. A police spokesman said: “We arrested a 37-year-old man at premises in New Market, Beccles, at11.30pm on Saturday May 5. He was arrested initially on suspicion of possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply. He was bailed for possession of a Class C drug.” Mr Tomlinson was due to receive a police caution for possession of cannabis on Friday He said yesterday: “It was just a stupid minor thing. It was half an unlit cigarette. I hadn't even smoked it. Lowestoft police called it a herbal cigarette, that's how minor they thought it was. “I have given up smoking for five weeks. I don't do drugs. I don't know why I had it. I was celebrating a friend's birthday and someone gave it to me. It wasn't even lit.” He added: “I wasn't actually a councillor at the time as I was only sworn in last night.” But according to local government rules, Mr Tomlinson was a councillor at the time of his arrest. He was co-opted on to the council last September, and the law says that town councillors remain in post until four days after the election, which covers the time of his arrest. After that time the re-elected councillors take up their posts by signing the declaration of acceptance of office, which happened on Thursday night. Town clerk Berenice Broom said: “A councillor would be disqualified if he or she was convicted and sentenced to not less than three months' imprisonment without the option of a fine. I expect that the town council will deal with the matter internally.” The incident is not the first time Mr Tomlinson has been involved with police. In March police were called to the area of Harvey's Bar on Blyburgate after receiving complaints about Mr Tomlinson's behaviour, but decided that no criminal offences had taken place and took no action. http://www.becclesandbungayjournal.co.uk/
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