Maldon District Council has announced it is looking for a new councillor for the Heybridge West ward following the disqualification of Chrisy Morris, who was given a suspended prison sentence yesterday (Monday, 28 February).

Mr Morris was handed an eight month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, at Chelmsford Crown Court after a jury last month found him guilty of breaching a non-molestation order banning him from seeing a woman.

The court heard how Mr Morris, previously a non-aligned Independent at the district council, went to the woman's address in Witham on 22 July 2019 despite being banned from doing so by the court order, which was imposed in 2018.

He was cleared of breaching a further restraining order against the same woman, which the prosecution claimed took place on 5 January 2020.

Mr Morris, 47, was also ordered to carry out 200 hours of community service, complete 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days and pay costs of £500 at his sentencing yesterday.

Following the sentencing, the district council confirmed that Mr Morris had been sacked from his role as councillor.

Richard Holmes, head of paid service at the district council, said: "A number of staff and councillors have been impacted by Chrisy Morris' conduct and today's sentencing strips him of his ability to continue to behave in this way as an elected representative."

Essex Police was called to a district council meeting in November after Mr Morris was accused of behaving disruptively, which saw members walk out of the chamber.

The following district council meeting in December was also shelved only minutes after it began when Mr Morris, who refused to leave after being asked to do so by chairman Mark Heard, was accused of "disorderly" behaviour.

A vacancy is now available for the Heybridge West ward.

A spokesperson for the district council said: "A by-election will take place to fill the vacancy if the returning officer receives two requests from any local government electors within the Maldon district asking for an election to be held."

Any residents wishing to get in touch with their local councillor for the ward should contact Councillor Michael Edwards at [email protected] or 07711 797279.

READ MORE:

- Ex-councillor Chrisy Morris handed suspended jail sentence after breaching order 'made to protect' woman

- Maldon Independent councillor Chrisy Morris found guilty of breaching order 'made to protect' woman