Sandwell Council investigates indecent exposure and parking ticket claims
Sandwell Council has launched an investigation into claims that a councillor indecently exposed himself on a public road and asked for a parking ticket to be 'looked at again' by officers.
Former housing boss Councillor Simon Hackett is also alleged to have attempted to persuade the authority to buy back a council house previously owned by his mother.
The whistle-blower allegations were sent to the authority's governance director Neeraj Sharma and were seen by the Express & Star.
It comes in the week after the council published the long-awaited Wragge report, which looked at allegations that the authority's former deputy leader Mahboob Hussain was involved in dodgy land deals.
One claim alleged a report was prepared for the council to consider whether to buy back a house in Barncroft Street, Hill Top, Wednesbury.
The whistle-blower alleges the report was withdrawn over concerns that the seller was Mr Hackett's mother.
A referral dated March 6 alleges that Mr Hackett indecently exposed himself on an unnamed public road. The whistle-blower alleges the incident 'seems to have been covered up by the council'.
Mr Hackett is said to have been issued with a with a fixed penalty notice by council wardens, while it is alleged that the incident was not reported to police or acted upon by Sandwell's Labour group.
A letter dated March 18 alleged Mr Hackett asked for a parking ticket to be reviewed for a 'relative or close associate'.
Jan Britton, Sandwell Council's chief executive, said: "We have received a number of referrals making allegations about Councillor Simon Hackett. These are currently being investigated."
Friar Park councillor Mr Hackett said: "I am aware of the allegations that have been made about me, which are totally without foundation and completely untrue.
"I am taking legal advice on how to respond and I will not hesitate to take action if necessary."
