Sherborne councillor Marjorie Snowden found guilty of breaching code of conduct
A Sherborne councillor, who was accused of describing "all Muslims as terrorists" during an equality and diversity training session, has been found guilty of breaching the code of conduct.
Former mayor Marjorie Snowden, a town and district councillor, was sanctioned by West Dorset District Council's standards committee on Wednesday, when the panel unanimously decided she had failed to show a former council officer respect during the training session.
Investigating officer Roger Greene presented a report which recommended she had breached the code of conduct relating to lack of respect after two complaints were made.
Sue Bickle, a community development team leader and lead officer for equalities at the district council at the time, and Molly Rennie, a district councillor for Dorchester, filed the complaints relating to an equalities and diversity training session held at West Dorset District Council on June 28, 2012.
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Mrs Snowden attended the session, led by Mrs Bickle, as a district councillor, a post she has held for more than ten years.
Mrs Bickle also alleged Mrs Snowden asked: "Why should we be interested in black history?" and claimed Mrs Snowden made deliberate attempts to disrupt the training, making her feel bullied and victimised.
Chairman Peter Shorland, district councillor for Sherborne west, said: "We found councillor Marjorie Snowden's behaviour to be out of order and she breached the code of conduct of disrespect."
The panel deliberated for more than half an hour before agreeing on a sanction for Mrs Snowden.
Mrs Snowden, who did not attend the hearing, denied the allegations during an interview with Mr Greene which was presented as part of the report.
Mrs Snowden declined to comment further when contacted by the Western Gazette.
For the full report see next Thursday's Sherborne edition of the paper.
For breaking news and updates see thisisdorset.co.uk and follow Sherborne reporter @WGFloraThompson and @thewesterngaz or find them on Facebook.
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