BNP man told to behave or face £5k bill

A BNP community councillor was advised by a judge yesterday to undertake to behave himself in future – and avoid being slapped with an injunction.

Llysfaen community councillor Patrick Pattison was warned that if an injunction against him sought by Conwy council was granted it could land him with a £5,000 legal bill. Conwy County Borough Council is applying to serve the order on Mr Pattison following allegations of “unacceptable” behaviour by the 55-year-old former independent councillor, who defected to the BNP earlier this year. Council staff have complained about his conduct towards them, though Mr Pattison claims he has always acted in the interests of his local community.

At a preliminary hearing in Rhyl County Court yesterday District Judge John Thomas estimated that the full hearing would take two days. But first, the judge must consider an application by Mr Pattison that there has been an abuse of process. The judge said that while he did not wish to pre-judge the hearing, Mr Pattison should consider the option of giving an undertaking not to act in the alleged manner in future.

“That would not be an admission that you have done anything untoward but merely a promise about your behaviour in future,” he said. “That would save a lot of time and money and would be a compromise”.

He also warned Mr Pattison that in the event of the council’s application being granted, costs could be awarded against him. Solicitor Peter Brown, for the authority, said the estimated bill was £5,000.

“I am not saying it would be awarded, but it could be,” said the judge.

The matter was adjourned for a full hearing early in the New Year. At a hearing in November, Deputy District Judge Peter Anderson said the case would be heard in Rhyl, but Judge Thomas said yesterday that it could be anywhere in North Wales.

North Wales News