A PROTEST calling for the permanent removal of child rapist ex-mayor David Boswell’s picture from Pembroke Town Hall is currently taking place at the Main Street town hall (February 24).
At the February meeting of the town council, members overwhelmingly voted for the picture to remain in the town hall, despite an impassioned plea by Councillor Jon Harvey for it to be removed permanently, deciding instead the picture should be turned to face the wall.
Cllr Harvey immediately resigned over its failure to be removed.
Cllr Jon Harvey, who resigned from the council over the issue.
The portrait has yet to be reinstated, but the decision made at the February 13 meeting is for it to be replaced, albeit turned to face the wall.
Protestors have stated on social media: “This is for Pembroke Town Council to take the paedophile's picture down and replace it with a plaque in honour of the survivors.”
A statement on behalf of the town council was read out by town crier Cllr Rosemarie Blackburn.
"As he is serving with the RAF, the mayor, Councillor Gareth Jones has asked me to assure you that the picture has been down since January 17 and the decision will be revisited by council to reflect the public concern of placing the picture face to the wall."
The statement added: "We have been contacted by people involved, who have no quarrel with counci,l but want their misery to end now and put a close to it.
"Everyone is more than welcome to come in and see for yourself that the portrait is not there."
The mayoral portrait was on display in Pembroke Town Hall, amongst other former mayors, more than a year after Boswell was found guilty of raping one girl and indecently assaulting another when they were both aged under 10.
He was jailed for 18 years in 2018 for historic child sex offences, which pre-date his time as mayor and county councillor.
Since the council’s decision was publicised, claims have been made that town council staff have received threats and abuse.
Police have said no formal complaints have been received.
More to follow...
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