“The councillor leaned down to speak to the chief executive and made comments which caused the chief executive alarm and/or distress.”
Details of an altercation between a now suspended member and the council’s CEO can be revealed for the first time.
The incident took place behind closed doors on June 25, 2024, at Lisburn and Castlereagh CIty Council’s Lagan Valley Island civic centre with independent councillor Gary Hynds and chief executive David Burns investigated by the PSNI on counter allegations.
After initial enquiries, the police took no further action. A conduct adjudication was then taken by the Northern Ireland Local Government Commissioner for Standards.
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The council watchdog has now given its “findings of fact” this week of what took place on the night in question when the public and media were locked out.
Adjudication Commissioner, Mr Ian Gordon’s decision reads: “While I am grateful to the parties for their collaborative approach taken in relation to the adjudication process, which has undoubtedly saved time and expense to the public purse in this matter, I remain the sole decision-maker and must set out my findings in sufficient detail.”
A public hearing was due to take place over two days at the end of October, but no witnesses were called after legal teams came to an 11th-hour agreement.
This led to a one month suspension of Cllr Hynds, with the adjudication stating the elected member “admits” his behaviour was considered “intimidatory” towards chief executive David Burns. But, Cllr Hynds did not confirm what he said.
Mr Gordon added: “As the mayor was closing the meeting, the councillor rose from his seat, walked past the table where the directors were located and walked behind the table where the mayor, deputy mayor and chief executive were seated.
“The councillor leaned down to speak to the chief executive and made comments which caused the chief executive alarm and/or distress.
“The councillor also caused the chief executive’s chair to spin around during this encounter.
“The chief executive stood up in response to the remarks made by the councillor and there was a verbal exchange between the two individuals.
“The councillor then left the chamber .
“The PSNI investigated complaints received from both the councillor and the chief executive however no charges were ultimately brought against either party.”
The LCCC minutes of the full council meeting show 30 elected members were present, with 10 apologies for non-attendance.
The incident between Councillor Hynds and CEO David Burns took place after the council had been meeting confidentially, so the live-stream of the meeting had been turned off, and if any members of the public had been there, they would have been asked to leave.
The adjudication concluded: “Having considered all the facts of this incident, I am satisfied that the councillor’s conduct was likely to diminish the trust and confidence the public placed in his position as a Councillor.
“I am of the view that a member of the public, knowing all of the relevant facts, would reasonably consider that the councillor’s conduct was such that it brought his position as a councillor into disrepute”
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) has contacted both the councillor and LCCC for comment.
Lisburn North independent councillor, Gary Hynds said: “I look forward to returning next month.
“I reiterate that I will always do what I think is in the best interests of the people of Lisburn, seeking the transparency, openness and accountability that they deserve from their council and everyone in it.”
A council spokesperson said: “The matter is now closed and we will be making no further comment in relation to this issue.”
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