Lib Dem councillor ‘took part in pro-Palestine protest at police station'
A Liberal Democrat councillor took part in a pro-Palestine protest at a police station, a court has heard.
Imran Latif, 45, walked into Cardiff Bay police station in June and chained himself to another protester at the front desk, a court has heard.
The councillor, who has sat on Cardiff council since 2022, pleaded guilty at Cardiff magistrates' court to locking himself to a person to cause significant disturbance at a police station. He was acquitted of one other charge.
Despite his conviction, he is set to continue his role as councillor for the Penylan ward.
The 45-year-old has sat on Cardiff council since 2022 - @imran.latif.cardiff/Instagram
The court heard the incident took place just hours after 50 to 60 people protested against the war in Gaza by walking through Cardiff city centre.
Protesters went to the police station over concerns about someone who had been arrested at the demonstration, the court was told.
South Wales Police said 16 people were arrested after the spontaneous protest at the front desk at 9.30pm on June 3.
'Fully realises the foolishness of that moment'
Nadeem Majid, representing Latif, said he was not part of the demonstration that had taken place in the city centre earlier that day.
Mr Majid said the councillor had attended the scene at the police station to find out what was going on.
He said Latif 'fully realises the foolishness' of that moment and added that 'to his credit, he has been fully transparent'.
Latif, who was suspended by his party after his arrest, was handed an 18-month conditional discharge by District Judge Mark Layton.
He was also ordered to pay a total of £776 at Cardiff magistrates' court.
A second charge of using threatening or abusive words or behaviour likely to cause a disturbance was dismissed after no evidence was offered.
A second charge of using threatening or abusive words or behaviour likely to cause a disturbance was dismissed - @imran.latif.cardiff/Instagram
Mr Majid, of M&M Solicitors, said: 'The conclusion of the matter today, resulting in one of the two charges laid against him being dismissed, is a great weight lifted off the shoulders of councillor Latif, who has had this matter hanging over his head for some time.
'Councillor Latif is pleased with the outcome of his case and is grateful to his legal team for their assistance and will now continue to serve his constituents in his capacity as councillor.'
After the sentence, a Cardiff Council spokesman said: 'A conditional discharge by a magistrates' court does not preclude a Councillor from acting in the office of member of a Local Authority in Wales.
'In due course, it will be a matter for the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales to consider whether the actions of the councillor will meet the threshold of an investigation of a potential breach of Cardiff Council's Members' Code of Conduct.'
The Welsh Liberal Democrats said they will now review the incident that took place in June 2024 through their internal processes.
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