Two elderly parish council members face review after a physical altercation at a meeting that resulted in blood and injuries.
The two councillors involved, both in their 70s, purportedly clashed on May 13 last year at Middleton St George Parish Council. Colin Pease and David Darling were allegedly involved in the incident. Pease reportedly sustained scratches and blood on his face, while the report mentioned bruising on Darling.
Pease attended as a Darlington Borough Council member, and Darling was there as a parish councillor, along with his wife Maria. They met in a small community center room where tempers reportedly flared at the meeting. Thirteen people attended, and the meeting was recorded.
Darling reportedly spoke loudly and asked many questions, to which Pease responded by calling Darling a “prat.” The situation worsened when Pease tried to leave, according to the report.
Darling stood up fast and forcefully shut the door, preventing Pease from leaving the room. The document reported that both then fought physically. Pease allegedly suffered face and arm scratches, a bloody face, and broken glasses.
Darling’s face appeared slightly red, and one finger appeared bruised. The audio recording seems to capture people asking Darling to “stop,” before other attendees separated the two men. Afterwards, they each left separately.
The official report explained that who started the fight is in dispute. Pease claims Darling assaulted him, grabbing his neck, headbutting his nose, and causing cuts. Darling denies the claims, alleging that Pease punched him initially.
A standards hearing will happen Monday, held by Darlington Borough Council. They will determine if either councillor broke the code of conduct.