Some time later, Lapworth’s wife’s vehicle was towed to a service centre for inspection where it was discovered that the rear brake line had been damaged. Further forensic analysis confirmed that this brake line had a cut on it, caused by a sharp-edged implement.

Lapworth denied causing damage to the brake line, but says he did attach a GPS device to the vehicle in order to track it.

He also admitted to frequent and continuous email contact with his wife for issues surrounding their separation and divorce.

During the police investigation, footprints were retrieved from the snow next to where the vehicle was parked, but these did not match Lapworth.

The Crown attorney prosecuting the case could not prove Lapworth cut his wife’s brake line and Lapworth ultimately pleaded guilty to criminal harassment.

On Aug. 24, 2017, Lapworth was sentenced to a conditional discharge and three years of probation.

Lapworth’s ex-wife declined to comment, however, she did confirm details related to the charges and the sentencing.

Burton, who is chair of the Halton Regional Police Service Board, said Lapworth approached him after his arrest and asked for a reference letter for the courts.

“Mr. Lapworth asked me on the basis that he was innocent,” Burton told the Beaver.

“A reference letter felt like a normal thing to do.”

The letter, dated April 27,2017, is printed on Office of the Mayor, Town of Oakville letterhead and signed Mayor Rob Burton.

In the letter, Burton discusses the length of time he has known Lapworth and states the councillor has shared with him in detail the charges in his case.

“This is totally out of character for Roger as we all know him to be a kind, gentle and very generous person,” the letter reads.

In the letter presented to the court, Burton goes on to list Lapworth’s work with the town, including the committees and boards he has served on and the events he has provided free audio services to.

Burton concludes his submission to the court by noting: “Should Roger be exposed to any elements that would disqualify him from running again in the 2018 municipal election that would be a great loss to the residents of Oakville, and especially myself and his current colleagues."

“I trust that this brief note clearly outlines the type of person that Roger really is.”

The allegations made both anonymously and by Hanna’s campaign suggest that by providing Lapworth with this letter, Burton is in violation of the Town of Oakville Code of Conduct for Members of Council, which, in part, states, “Every member shall avoid the improper use of the influence of their office by not interfering with legal or quasi-judicial processes, administrative tribunals or committees either involving the town or on behalf of constituents.”

It is unclear whether Burton’s letter violates this policy, since, according to town clerk Vicki Tytaneck, town policy does not allow for the investigation of complaints during an election.

She said any complaints received will be sent to the town’s integrity commissioner after the Oct. 22 municipal election.

In a transcript of Lapworth’s sentencing hearing, Lapworth’s lawyer references Burton’s letter of support and his endorsement of Lapworth’s running for Oakville council in the future.

Justice R. J. Ledressay, who presided over the hearing, however, makes no reference to Burton before handing down the sentence.

When asked whether he felt his letter violated the Code of Conduct for members of council, Burton noted it did not because he says Lapworth misled him.

He argued he provided Lapworth with the letter with the understanding from Lapworth that he was innocent and that the letter would be used as a character reference.

Burton says he was blindsided when Lapworth then pleaded guilty to criminal harassment, alleging the former councillor used the letter to try and influence his sentencing hearing.

He said he only learned Lapworth had pleaded guilty on Feb. 27, 2018, at which point he took action.

“After I became aware that my letter was obtained under false pretences, I told Mr. Lapworth I felt required to refer his misrepresentation to our integrity commissioner,” Burton told the Beaver. “He resigned before I could do that.”

When asked about Burton’s account of the reason behind his resignation Lapworth did not flatly deny it. However, Lapworth seemed to hint there are issues with that story because of the length of time that passed between when Burton says he knew Lapworth pleaded guilty and when Lapworth resigned.

“I resigned on March 28, effective March 30,” he wrote in an email.

“Not sure what happened between Feb. 27 and March 28.”

In an email statement Lapworth also emphasized, “I am not a criminal, I was not convicted of anything.”

During the Oct. 10 Ward 3 debate Burton offered an explanation as to why Lapworth was not ejected from council sooner.

“Some people imagine that mayors have more power than they have,” said Burton when the issue arose.

“There is no way to remove a councillor under the Municipal Elections Act, except if he violates the code of conduct, and all that can happen to him is a three-month suspension of pay.”

Other Oakville councillors became aware of Lapworth’s guilty plea in late February. That month Lapworth attended the Halton Women’s Place 40th Anniversary Gala.

Halton Women’s Place provides shelter and crisis services to physically, emotionally, financially and sexually abused women and their dependent children.

Ward 6 town Coun. Natalia Lishchyna told the Beaver Lapworth’s ex-wife saw him in social media posts from the event, became very upset, contacted Lishchyna and told her about the criminal harassment plea.

“This came as a complete surprise to me,” said Lishchyna. “I understand that she also spoke to my council colleagues and everyone was taken by surprise. So I can confirm that this was not common knowledge among my council colleagues. When we all found out, it wasn’t long before Roger resigned. I think that Roger made the right decision to resign.”

When asked why he didn’t make Lapworth’s admission of guilt to a charge of criminal harassment public, Burton said he did not have permission from the two people involved and did not think it was his role to release such information.

Burton also offered the following for those who may have concerns about him following this incident.

“I am opposed to harassment and domestic violence and, as soon as I found out about Mr. Lapworth’s misrepresentation, I took the appropriate steps within the scope of my role,” he said.

When reached for comment Diane Beaulieu, executive director of Halton Women’s Place, said Halton Women’s Place does not condone violence against women whether intentional or implicit in any way shape or form by anyone.

“We believe that government representatives, be they local, provincial or federal, must be part of the solution to ending violence against women in our communities and in society,” she said.