A man who unsuccessfully ran for election in Hyndburn earlier this month has appeared in court after being charged with harassment during the campaign.
Paul Knighton, 47, of Masefield Close, Great Harwood, appeared before Blackburn Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, May 18, in relation to the charge which covers two alleged incidents.
It’s alleged that on April 4 and May 4, Knighton pursued a course of conduct which amounted to the harassment of Colin McKenzie, sitting Labour Councillor for the Overton ward in Hyndburn, and which he should have known amounted to harassment.
Knighton pleaded not guilty to both charges.
On April 4, it’s alleged Knighton drove a car at Cllr McKenzie, while on May 4 – which was polling day in the 2023 local elections – he is alleged to have approached the councillor in a threatening manner.
Paul Knighton ran as an independent candidate in the Overton ward on Hyndburn Borough Council.
The ward was won by Labour’s Heather Anderson with a 515 vote majority; the incumbent – ‘independent Conservative’ Pat McGinley – did not stand, with the Tories in second place and Greens in third.
Knighton came last with just 62 votes.
At the hearing on May 18, his case was adjourned until Thursday, June 8, for a further case management hearing.
He was granted bail on the condition that he must not contact his alleged victim.
He is also barred from contacting other Labour councillors Jodie Clements, Noordad Aziz, and Kimberley Whitehead.
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