Effingham Parish Councillor, Facing Four Charges, To Be Tried At Staines in December

Published on: 26 Sep, 2017
Updated on: 27 Sep, 2017

James Nicholls, pictured today outside the court.

By Chris Dick

Parish councillor James Nicholls today (Tuesday, September 26, 2017) attended the magistrates’ court in Guildford to answer four charges made against him following an incident at the King George V playing fields in Effingham last month.

The four alleged offences are: as a vehicle driver, failing to provide a specimen for analysis; two counts of using threatening language or behaviour or abusive language; and possession of an offensive weapon.

Cllr Nicholls represented by his Rochelle Dennie, an Aldershot based solicitor, entered a plea of not guilty to all four charges.

The case, which is attracting national press interest, was adjourned and will be heard at Staines Magistrates Court on December 18 (2017).

August 25, 2017: Police officers with Parish Cllr James Nicholls at the King George V playing fields just before his arrest.

Afterwards, Nicholls said: “I have been shocked and pleasantly surprised by the reactions I have received as a result of my leading from the front. It was as though finally someone had raised their head above the parapet and stood up to be counted. I have received a lot of support.”

James told the press at the court that he would not lose his sense of humour over the case.

The reporters, used to reporting on national stories, revealed a lack of understanding of parish council affairs by asking Nicholls which political party he supported. The parish councillor was heard to patiently explain that whilst some members of Effingham Parish Council do belong to political parties, party affiliations are not meant to play a part in parish councils.

Nicholls concluded by telling reporters that the way he was portrayed by the media was up to them, they could either make the following day awful for him or they could treat him fairly. It was entirely up to them, he said, but he trusted them.