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Fakenham councillor Jim Rockett refuses to make public apology after rude outburst




Sorry seems to be the hardest word for one councillor after he dodged making a public apology to a colleague following a rude outburst that led to a ten-month inquiry.

Jim Rockett, a Fakenham town councillor, has been subjected to a raft of sanctions following an argument sparked by a disagreement over the condition of a park’s wooden boardwalk.

He has since been dubbed the ‘Rocketman’ in the town after blasting off into an expletive-laden rant, which led to him being reprimanded by North Norfolk District Council (NNDC).

Fakenham Town Council's meeting last week
Fakenham Town Council's meeting last week

At the standards committee hearing in December, the panel told the councillor to make a “clear and unreserved” public apology to Cllr David Hunter.

It was one of several punishments, which also included being removed from committee positions.

He was told he must do so at the next meeting he attends following the council agreeing to these terms, which it did last week during private discussions.

A standards hearing into Fakenham councillor Jim Rockett's behaviour
A standards hearing into Fakenham councillor Jim Rockett's behaviour

However, when the opportunity came to speak on the matter, Cllr Rockett declined and made no indication that he intends to apologise at the next meeting, as now required.

ROCKETT BLASTS OFF

The incident that sparked the row came when he met with Cllr Hunter and the town clerk at Aldiss Park to discuss the condition of a boardwalk in March last year.

But after Cllr Hunter – who is also CEO of Fakenham Race Course – suggested it needed replacing before a forthcoming race day, the outdoor meeting descended into chaos.

Cllr Rockett launched into a foul-mouthed tirade at his colleague, shouting: “Who the f****** hell do you think you are? I have had enough, I am leaving.”

Cllr Hunter then suggested his colleague should leave, but Cllr Rockett refused to do so, adding: “No I’m not f****** leaving, you can f****** leave.”

The race course boss later lodged an official complaint to NNDC, which sparked the ten-month investigation that culminated in the standards hearing.

Cllr Rockett was given an opportunity to apologise to bring an end to the saga - but he refused, instead saying Cllr Hunter was acting like a “schoolboy” by complaining and said he “should grow up”.

It is thought the investigation has cost thousands of pounds.

The standards committee found he had breached Fakenham Town Council’s code of conduct.

As well as making a public apology, the panel also recommended he be removed from his committee positions and told to complete code of conduct training within six months of the hearing.

STILL HOPE?

Following the meeting last week, Cllr Rockett declined to comment.

Cllr Hunter said he is still hoping a public apology will be made the next time the council meets, but added that he was “not expecting” it to be made.

However, the council did discuss the findings of the standards committee and it is now drafting a letter of censure – a formal statement of disapproval – over his behaviour.

A source at the council was left frustrated that the situation is still not resolved, saying: “He could and should have made an apology at the meeting, or at least agreed to do so.”



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