Councillors vote Paul Robinson's role as deputy police commissioner is 'incompatible' with East Riding Council seat

“If he donated his council "allowance", i.e. money taken from us, to worthy causes in his own village is that not tantermount to bribery to those who elect him? He's not exactly whiter than white now, the apparent skulduggery with the take over bid at Beverley, the phone incident etc., so he should be using a bit more judgement. What hope as a DPCC? I would also challenge his statement that he does not socialise with Commissioner Grove and is not "a mate" - another lie methinks as I always thought they were joined at the hip!”

“I sincerely hope Grove/Robinson put a lot more thought into their decisions with regard to the Police Commission than they did when planning their PC roles. It appears they did not fully think their actions through and the reaction of the people that pay their lovely forthcoming salaries.

Grove is now in a very difficult position and will have to work extremely hard to prove he is good enough after appointing his friend who has already let him down big style.

Robinson is under the allusion that he has a lot of support. It must have come as a big shock to find his mates/colleagues at ERYC didn't support him. I suspect he has also lost a lot of grass root support in Howdenshire too.

Can I suggest Robinson does a David Davis and calls an election, but at his own expense ( he can afford it now ) to find out just how popular he is? Obviously another Tory would have to stand as Howdenshire votes blue regardless.”

“Looking at the comments below is there any wonder that Hull and East Riding is lagging behind the rest of the country. As soon as anyone with a bit of ability steps forward and takes a lead they get it in the neck from everyone; their own party included! It is shameful! It would seem the only people who can be in public office are either Tory cronies or Labourites who couldn't manage a proverbial in a brewery. I have never voted Tory in my life but Robinson is hard working and has ability. Give the man a bloody chance!”

“If he had been a driver for a large corporate and it attracted all this negative attention he would have been sacked.”

“g7viz - Open your eyes. He was not elected and he was not interviewed against other candidtates - his mate gave him the job.

On 45k per annum he is isn't doing it out of the goodness of his heart. Add to this the evolving public perception on the 'humbergate' phone incident that Humberside policing is inconsistent and corrupt and it is problem.

Why should he be let off? Interesting that he passed on 11k per year to keep a job worth 45k - I would prefer him to remain as a councillor in his Village instead.”

“by g7viz

"I understand that Robinson was reported to the police by the attendant at the Humber Bridge toll booth and he was not caught by the police. I further understand that the police refused to press charges because there was not enough evidence."

His confession was evidence enough!

When being spoken to by the interviewing Police Officer, in most cases, the person being interviewed is put under caution, to protect the individual and the Police officer from any ambiguity should the interview require Court proceedings.
If indeed he was cautioned, then his confession is enough evidence to prosecute, therefore a fixed penalty should have been issued at that point in time.
Had the interviewing Police Officer done his job correctly then this 'witch hunt' would be over and justice would have been served.

As it stands, there is a feeling of a "don't you know who I am" type scenario felt by the general public.
Can said public expect the same talking to in any similar scenario that arises or will they be fined £60 & 3 penalty points?

A legal can of worms has been opened which could flood the magistrates court with appeals against fixed penalty notices for using a mobile phones, citing this case as a ruling.”

“stantheman

I understand that Robinson was reported to the police by the attendant at the Humber Bridge toll booth and he was not caught by the police. I further understand that the police refused to press charges because there was not enough evidence.”

“Is there any wonder that able and professional people no longer stand for public office! Stop this witch hunt!”

“Grove said he would resign his seat in the New Year. Well two weeks in almost and silence. Perhaps he is waiting for 'pay day' before resigning. Hardly a day goes by without some damaging news about one or both of these pin - striped pirate Tory boys.”

“Off topic I know but I've seen them both in the Guildhall, twice this week, both times together. I thought the original excuse for a Deputy from Cllr. Grove was that there was so much to do that one would have to be in one place and one in another. Always accompanied by former Police Authority officers from their Secretariat too, although that's probably a good thing, stop them doing anything too stupid!”