Newton Aycliffe councillor resigns just a day after court hearing
Jordan Gill, who represented the Byerley Park, Horndale and Cobblers Hall ward as an independent, gave up his position today (Thursday, February 26) just a day after sentencing.
Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court heard on Wednesday (February 25) how the 33-year-old preyed on two victims over a five-month period, uploading images of a man in lingerie and another of a man performing a sex act to cards.
An email seen by The Northern Echo has now confirmed that Gill has relinquished his seat on the council, stating that they have “had notification” that he “has resigned with immediate effect”.
The revelation comes just over 24 hours after Gill, of Derwent Place, learned his fate following a short hearing where harrowing victim impact statements were read out.
A total of seven to ten cards of this nature were then sent to a family home of one of the victims – some of which were opened by his parents, leaving him “unable to sleep”.
Gill previously admitted sending a letter, communication or article that conveyed an indecent or offensive message. He also pleaded guilty to two counts of sharing a photograph or video of a person in an intimate state without their consent.
Magistrates sentenced Gill to 14 weeks in prison, which was suspended for 15 months. He was ordered to pay Β£239 in costs and was banned from contacting one of the victims for 15 months by a restraining order.
Prosecutor Liz McGowan told the court that one card showed a man wearing a dog mask and in another a man was seen performing a sex act.
One victim said: “I threw some [of the cards] in the bin as I was so embarrassed and didnβt want anyone to see them. I didnβt want my mum and dad to see [the cards] as they contained images of me in lingerie.
“I found it very distressing and upsetting. It caused [my parents] great upset to see the images.
“Some of the images were of a sexual and private nature. There is an image of me performing a sexual act. I didnβt give him permission to send this image.
“I have been unable to sleep thinking about it and have been struggling to sleep ever since.”
Gill’s second victim said the councillor’s actions have had a huge impact on him.
In mitigation, his barrister Nick Musgrove said Gill was of previous good character and has co-operated with police.
Mr Musgrove added the defendant carried out voluntary work at food banks, but was “emotionally immature” and “lashed out” at the time.