Tory councillor hauled before court for saying all gays are paedophiles

Peter Willows, who has been a councillor in the UK's self-styled gay capital Brighton and Hove for 12 years, made the comment at a mayor-making reception in May.

The 75-year-old was asked by the editor of a gay magazine whether he thought a gay councillor was a paedophile, Brighton Magistrates' Court was told.

"James Ledward asked Willows, 'Do you think Paul's a paedophile?"' prosecutor David Packer said.

"Willows replied to that with, 'I know you are not Paul, it's the other gays'." The barrister said the words "equated gay people with paedophiles".

Willows, who the court heard has "fixed, traditional views on marriage, church and families", was found guilty of using threatening, abusive or insulting works or behaviour or disorderly behaviour within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress after a day-long trial.

He had denied the charge, which was brought under Section 5 of the Public Order Act. Chairwoman of the Bench Pauline Quinton said: "It's quite clear that you did use the word gays not guys, despite your denial.

"Because you knew that both men were gay...your remarks would inevitably be insulting."

But she added that the comments were not borne from hostility towards people who were gay. Willows was given a conditional discharge and told to pay £250 costs.

When he said he was unable to pay today his friend Geoff Wells stood up and offered to settle the bill.

A chorus of "I'll pay" went around the court room as other friends volunteered to chip in. Mr Wells, 60, said outside court he thought that what had happened was a "stitch-up".

He added: "At the cost to the Crown, this should never have come to court." Mr Willows, a war veteran and former welder left court without commenting.

His barrister, Irena Ray-Crosby, had told the hearing that he now ends his political career "in disgrace".

During evidence, Mr Willows, who was suspended from serving on Brighton and Hove City Council until the outcome of the trial, told the court he did not believe that gay men are paedophiles.

He said he worked alongside gay people and had once been to a gay club on Brighton's seafront. "It didn't bother me one iota, I was quite happy to go," he said.

"I have got lots of colleagues who are gay. I carry on as normal. I treat them as normal, as they would wish to be treated."

Initially, the councillor for Hangleton and Knoll denied that the comment could have caused offence to Paul Elgood and James Ledward.

He said: "Not those two guys, they have hardened over the years...they get called other things." The prosecutor put it to him: "They have human feelings, don't they?" Willows replied: "I'm sure they have."

The barrister said: "They said on oath today that both of them felt very offended." Willows added: "I know what they are, they have been on the circuit a long time."

While he was giving evidence, Willows also claimed that he had said "other guys", and not "other gays".

He said he had been interrogated by the police. "Those two lady police officers had me standing on my head. I probably said all sorts of things that probably weren't true because I was feeling very, very confused," he said.

However, after a tape of the interview about the conversation at Brighton Pavilion on May 18 was played to the court, the councillor accepted that he had said "gays".

When asked again whether he thought the comment was likely to cause offence, he said: "In all probability I think it would, yes, I think you're right."

The court heard from six character witnesses who included councillors and retired police officers. Former detective constable David Spark of Sussex Police said that Willows had fixed traditional views but that he would trust him with his life.

Miss Ray-Crosby said: "This is a very sad case in any view. It's not an anti-gay case. Nobody on the defence team and, certainly not Mr Willows, wants to accept that it's...acceptable to be offensive to or about gay people.

"He was devastated to be here." She said he made a "stupid mistake which he bitterly regrets".

She questioned why London Mayor Ken Livingstone had not had to face charges over an alleged comment about a Jewish journalist and a concentration camp attendant, when Willows had.

Outside court, Brian Oxley, who is leader of Brighton and Hove City Council Conservative Group, and Mike Long, chairman of Hove and Portslade Conservative Association, made a joint statement saying: "Councillor Willows has been found guilty and we accept the verdict, subject to any appeal.

"The Conservative Group and the Hove Conservative Association will consult on the necessary action to be taken and the party will act swiftly.

"The Conservative Group and the Hove Conservative Association do not share Councillor Willows' views, as expressed, and disassosociate ourselves from them.

"The Conservative Group and the Hove Conservative Association reaffirms its commitment to the diverse society that is Brighton and Hove." Brighton and Hove City Council refused to comment.