Mayor faces pub assault trial

The mayor of Lichfield was appearing before magistrates today to stand trial on a charge of assaulting a man in a city centre pub. Councillor Michael Fryers was in court.

He has pleaded not guilty to a charge of common assault following an alleged incident at the Kings Head pub in Lichfield city centre on July 14.

Councillor Fryers, aged 60, and of William Lunns Homes, Stowe Street, has been suspended from the Lichfield City Council Conservative group pending the court outcome.

He is due to re-appear at Tamworth Magistrates Court today after being granted unconditional bail at a hearing in August.

A statement issued from the Lichfield City Council Conservative group said: "At its last meeting the group agreed unanimously to suspend Councillor Mike Fryers from the group and to urge him not to undertake any mayoral duties pending the hearing on October 23. This he has agreed to do.

"Both are neutral acts and do not imply any guilt.

"No amplification of this statement will be given," it adds.

Mayoral duties will now continue to be carried out by the city's deputy mayor, as they have been in recent weeks.