Former Whittlesea mayor John Fry arrested and charged with criminal damage
UPDATE: A councillor standing for re-election in Melbourne’s north says he will continue to campaign despite being charged over allegedly defacing election posters.
John Fry, a former Whittlesea Council mayor who is standing for re-election, was this morning allegedly caught by members of the public and restrained while defacing the posters of his opponents.
Speaking after his arrest, Mr Fry told Leader he would not be withdrawing his candidacy for the council elections
“I can’t think of any reason why I wouldn’t continue to stand,” he said.
According to the Victorian Electoral Commission, Mr Fry would only be barred from serving as a councillor if he was convicted of an offence punishable by a term of two years or more.
Under the Local Government Act a person convicted for more than two years is not eligible to be a councillor for eight years after the date of conviction.
Earlier today, Mr Fry was dramatically caught and restrained by members of the public for allegedly defacing election posters.
The incident was photographed by witnesses and posted on the Facebook page of another councillor, Ricky Kirkham. They show Mr Fry handcuffed on the ground — with an aerosol can next to him — and being put in a police van.
Detective Acting Sergeant Cameron Pennell said a 60-year-old man had this morning been detained by a member of the public and the police called.
Sgt Pennell said when police arrived at the incident at University Hill, Bundoora, the man was arrested and charged with criminal damage and later bailed.
Any witnesses are urged to contact Sgt Pennell at Mill Park police on 9407 3333.
Mr Fry is standing for re-election to the council on the platform of “say no to corruption”.