Ben Williams
A LABOUR councillor has been arrested on suspicion of downloading indecent images, the Daily Post can reveal.
Cllr Ben Williams, 34, who represents the city’s Clubmoor ward was arrested yesterday by officers from the Sefton Family Crime Unit.
Labour leader Cllr Joe Anderson said Cllr Williams had agreed to suspend himself from the Labour party while the police investigation was carried out.
Eight computers have seen seized, and he has been released on bail.
A Merseyside police spokesman said: “Merseyside Police has arrested a 34 year old man from the Childwall area on suspicion of downloading indecent images."
He said the man was arrested yesterday by officers from the Sefton Family Crime Unit arrested the man.
“Officers have seized computers for forensic examination by the Forces Hi-Tech Crime Unit.”
The spokesman said he had now been released on bail.
Labour leader Cllr Joe Anderson said: “Having had discussions with Cllr Ben Williams regarding his arrest I can confirm that he has agreed to voluntarily suspend himself from the Labour Party with immediate effect whilst an enquiry is carried out by Merseyside Police.
“Until the police investigation is concluded Ben Williams will have the Labour Whip removed and will no longer be a Labour councillor, will not participate in Labour meetings and will not be standing in the local elections next May as a Labour candidate.”
Cllr Williams strenuously denies any wrongdoing.
Source
UPDATE 8 May 08
A FORMER Liverpool councillor today appeared in court charged with downloading indecent images of children - some said to be of the worst type.
Ben Williams, 34, of Norris Green appeared at South Sefton Magistrates Court and spoke only to confirm his address.
The history tutor, who was supported by family and friends at the hearing, did not enter a plea to the 12 counts of making indecent images over a year-long period.
He was released on bail and will appear at court again on June 26 when he will be committed for trial at Crown Court.
Williams was arrested last December by officers from Sefton Family Crime Unit and eight computers were seized in the inquiry.
At the time he was a Labour councillor but agreed to self-suspend himself from the party while the investigation was carried out.
The former Clubmoor councillor did not stand in this month’s elections after having served on the council for six years.
He is alleged to have made the images between December 13, 2006 and December 17, 2007.
Update 8 May 08
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