A HEARING into allegations that threats against a journalist breached the county council's code of conduct was adjourned after three hours.

Councillor Brian Hall was reported to the ombudsman for threatening violence against reporter Simon Morris on January 14th, 2005.

He reportedly told Mr Morris that if ever went to Ireland he would not come back and that he had friends in Manchester who could break the journalist's arms and legs.

Cllr Hall described his remarks as "silly and ill-judged" and made in jest when he felt harassed by efforts to interview him.

The matter was referred to the standards committee by the ombudsman who stated: "Whether or not Councillor Hall intended to arrange or carry out any physical violence against Mr Morris, I have to conclude that his conduct in making remarks of that nature, made as they were in public and while he was representing the County Council of Pembrokeshire, were inappropriate and likely to bring the office of member into disrepute."

The committee met on Thursday to determine whether Cllr Hall breached the code of conduct.

His solicitors, Tony Child - who represented London mayor Ken Livingstone in the High Court last month - and John Parsons, claimed the councillor was not at the reception in an official capacity.

While this could be confirmed by checking whether he had claimed expenses, Mr Child said the onus was not on Cllr Hall to prove these matters and described the question of expenses as irrelevant.

Chairman Susan Smith adjourned the hearing until Thursday, December 7th, or another date convenient to all parties, saying it was a complex matter.

She also said that the committee wished to read the judgment in the Livingstone case and take legal advice.