Commissioner 'steps away' from local authority work temporarily

Lockwood wishes to 'allow legal proceedings to run their course'

Onchan Commissioners has confirmed one of its members is ‘stepping away’ temporarily from active involvement in the local authority.

It follows legal proceedings started against Oliver Lockwood.

The 45-year-old appeared at Douglas Courthouse yesterday (22 September) charged with harassment and a public order offence.

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He has since held a meeting with the chairman, vice chairman and chief executive/clerk of Onchan Commissioners.

In a statement released afterwards Mr Lockwood said: "In light of the current legal proceedings I have taken the decision to step away temporarily from active involvement in the business of Onchan District Commissioners while the matter is ongoing.

“Whilst I will remain a duly elected member of the board I will not be taking an active role in authority matters until the legal process has concluded.

“This decision is intended to allow the legal proceedings to run their course without unnecessary distraction from the work of the authority.

“I remain committed to serving the residents of Onchan and will make no further public comment on the matter whilst the proceedings remain ongoing."

Mr Lockwood has been bailed until his next court appearance on 6 October.

He is seeking election in Onchan in tomorrow’s General Election.

The other candidates standing are Rob Callister, Gabriella Corkish, Julie Edge, Rachel Glover and Peter Karran.