JARROW MP Stephen Hepburn today denied backing the political ambitions of a businessman facing possible prosecution over damage to a housing headquarters in South Tyneside.
John Robertson allegedly drove his 22ft lorry into Strathmore House, the base for South Tyneside Homes, at Viking Industrial Park, Jarrow, because he was angry after losing a contract, which he claims sparked the collapse of his scaffolding firm.
Police have questioned and bailed Mr Robertson, of York Avenue, Jarrow, after he was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, following last month’s incident.
He is due to answer police bail later this month. The 44-year-old is standing as an Independent candidate for the Primrose ward in Jarrow in next month’s local elections, and it had been reported elsewhere that Mr Hepburn has backed his bid.
But that claim brought a swift denial from the Jarrow MP.
Mr Hepburn told the Gazette: “It has been reported that I have provided a political reference to John Robertson as an Independent candidate in the local elections. This is totally inaccurate.
“As a Labour MP, I only support Labour candidates.
“I provided a personal reference to my constituent, only for the benefit of his solicitor, given the current criminal proceedings against Mr Robertson.
“I am emphatically not supporting his election bid.” A police spokesman said: “A 44-year-old man from Jarrow has been questioned and bailed after a vehicle was driven into Strathmore House on March 20.
“He was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.”
Isobel Riley, chief executive for South Tyneside Homes, said: “We can confirm that our solicitors are in correspondence with Mr Robertson’s legal advisors regarding a contractual dispute.
“We are, however, appalled that while waiting for the outcome of this dispute, Mr Robertson has apparently seen fit to take matters into his own hands by carrying out this damage to our premises at considerable cost to the public purse, causing inconvenience to our customers and stress to members of staff.
“Reinstatement work of the building and reception area is still ongoing.”
Via: www.shieldsgazette.com
