Questions over shoplifting of Norfolk county councillor

Thetford West UKIP county councillor Peter Georgiou. Picture: Matthew Usher. © Archant Norfolk 2013

A UKIP county councillor has come under fire after it emerged he was cautioned for shoplifting – and now he is undecided about his future in his newly-elected role.

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Norfolk County Council has confirmed it has received two inquiries from members of the public into the eligibility of Peter Georgiou to serve as a county councillor.

The inquiries relate to a shoplifting incident on May 14 last year which left Mr Georgiou banned from a town centre store.

Mr Georgiou, who was elected as the county councillor for Thetford West earlier this month, was caught taking goods from the Poundstretcher in Minstergate without paying.

It is alleged he took the items home by mistake and he apologised profusely.

The incident was dealt with by way of a community resolution, in agreement with Norfolk police officers and the store.

Officials from UKIP said no investigation into the councillor’s conduct was taking place and that he has not been suspended – although it was admitted the party had no knowledge of the incident before he was chosen as a candidate.

Mr Georgiou, meanwhile, said he had not made his mind up about what he was going to do and whether or not he wanted to continue in the post.

The 58-year-old won the Thetford West division on May 3 by the narrowest possible margin, beating Labour candidate Terry Jermy by just a single vote.

Four recounts had to take place before it was determined that the father of four sons, who is currently out of work, had won the seat.

His election win was the last division to be decided in Norfolk and saw UKIP take 15 seats across the county, making it the opposition group. A Norfolk County Council spokesman said no resignation had been received from Mr Georgiou.

She said: “We have received two inquiries from residents concerning Thetford West member Peter Georgiou’s eligibility to serve as a councillor for Norfolk County Council.”

A Norfolk police spokesman said: “Police dealt with a male for shoplifting on May 14 last year at business premises in Thetford.

“There were no criminal charges and it was dealt with by a community resolution in agreement with all parties.”

A UKIP spokesman said Mr Georgiou had walked out of the shop “without realising” he had not paid for the items.