Taxi Driver Online

Anyone who stands for public office in theory should be above reproach. I don't hide the fact that I take great delight in exposing the inconsistencies of local Government representatives either past or present. Here is yet another distasteful case of a councillor who fraudulently hoodwinked the public into thinking he was a "fit and proper" person to hold public office.

He sat on the Children's services committee on behalf of the Labour party and probably other committees.

I just wonder which trade union sponsored this individual?
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Manchester Evening News

June 28, 2000

Ex-council man jailed for sex abuse

AN ex-Manchester councillor was jailed for six months after he admitted sexually abusing two 10-year-old girls.

Grandfather-of-four George Harding, 65, who has sat on the council's children's services committee, molested the girls while babysitting.
Bolton Crown Court heard that one of the girls, now an adult, told how Harding devised a past-time called The Game during which he assaulted her.

Harding, described in court as a churchgoer,'' admitted two charges of indecent assault on a 10-year-old girl. He also pleaded guilty to one charge of indecent assault and one of committing an act of indecency with another 10-year-old girl. The offences took place between January 1983 and December 1986.

David Riddell, prosecuting, said one girl contacted police after seeing press coverage of a trial in 1999 when Harding was accused of indecent assault. He was cleared of those charges. Harding, of Claverham Walk in Baguley, has a wife, three children and four grandchildren. He served as a Labour councillor for Benchill from 1994 before resigning last year after allegations were made against him.

Defending, Anthony Longworth said Harding was a man who had dedicated his life to public service.'' But Mr Longworth added: He abused his position of trust and abused two little girls aged 10. He accepts that and is deeply ashamed.''

Judge John Roberts jailed Harding for six months and told him his crime was a breach of trust.'' He described Harding as devoted to public service'' but said: You have lost your previous good character.''

Harding was also ordered to sign the sex offenders' register.
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