Connect with us

News

Council invited to ‘rid us of his memory’ after former mayor jailed for rape

Avatar photo

Published

on

A Wisbech councillor is calling for disgraced former Mayor Aigars Balsevics – jailed last month for six and a half a years – to have his name expunged from the records.

Independent councillor Dave Patrick has lodged a motion to that affect to Monday’s meeting of the town council.

The motion, accepted by the town clerk Terry Jordan and added to the agenda, will see Cllr Patrick propose a to remove Balsevics from any form of recognition through traditional ways of honouring former mayors.

Cllr Patrick will propose that: “Following the conviction of ex-mayor Aigars Balsevics on a charge of rape, that his name be struck from the mayoral role of honour and his photograph removed from the mayoral chamber”.

It is not clear if his photograph was ever placed on the roll of honour, but Cllr Patrick is determined it never will be.

“This is a modest but principled motion reflecting how the town feels about him,” said Cllr Patrick.

“I hope it will attract unanimous support from all councillors, irrespective of their past allegiances to their former Conservative colleague.”

He added: “Quite simply we want, and need, to be rid of even his memory.”

Civic moment for Aigars Balsevics

Motion to Wisbech Town Council on September 4: “Following the conviction of ex-mayor Aigars Balsevics on a charge of rape, that his name be struck from the Mayoral role of honour and his photograph removed from the mayoral chamber.”

The former Conservative mayor of Wisbech was jailed for six and a half years after being convicted of raping a woman at her home in the town.

Motion to Wisbech Town Council on September 4: “Following the conviction of ex-mayor Aigars Balsevics on a charge of rape, that his name be struck from the Mayoral role of honour and his photograph removed from the mayoral chamber.”

Motion to Wisbech Town Council on September 4: “Following the conviction of ex-mayor Aigars Balsevics on a charge of rape, that his name be struck from the Mayoral role of honour and his photograph removed from the mayoral chamber.”

Balsevics, of Burcroft Road, Wisbech, denied two charges of rape and went on trial at Peterborough Crown Court.

Advertisements
canopyuk.com in-article

On July 31 he was found guilty on both counts.

Balsevics, 42, went to the woman’s home on 24 May 2021.

Cllr Andrew Lynn, who took over from Balsevics as mayor, once said: “Aigars is a really nice gentleman and a great friend, I wish you would actually take the time to go meet him for yourself and then you would see, throughout a very difficult year he raised £5000 for local charities, supported business and children’s charities, it’s a shame only the negative things are only ever made public “

Cllr Andrew Lynn, who took over from Balsevics as mayor, once said: “Aigars is a really nice gentleman and a great friend, I wish you would actually take the time to go meet him for yourself and then you would see, throughout a very difficult year he raised £5000 for local charities, supported business and children’s charities, it’s a shame only the negative things are only ever made public “

While there he raped the victim, despite her crying and repeatedly telling him no.

When she tried to get away Balsevics stopped her from leaving the room and raped her again.

After the attack, the distressed victim contacted two friends who arrived at the property and Balsevics left.

The woman reported what happened to police and Balsevics was arrested in the early hours of the following day (25 May).

DC Katie Housham said: “I would like to commend the victim for her bravery throughout and I hope this conviction will help her as she tries to rebuild her life.

Former Wisbech mayor and former Tory councillor Aigars Balsevics who has been convicted of rape. Custody photo released by Cambridgeshire Police

Former Wisbech mayor and former Tory councillor Aigars Balsevics who has been convicted of rape. Custody photo released by Cambridgeshire Police

“Balsevics ignored her repeated pleas for him to stop and even refused to let her leave when she tried to get away. I’m pleased he has now faced justice for his actions.

“I would like to encourage anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offence to report it to the police. Your report will be taken very seriously, and we will always treat you with the utmost sensitivity and respect.”

 

Motion to Wisbech Town Council on September 4: “Following the conviction of ex-mayor Aigars Balsevics on a charge of rape, that his name be struck from the Mayoral role of honour and his photograph removed from the mayoral chamber.”

Facebook

Read More

News1 month ago

Ely ‘hit and run’ driver sought after cyclist left with serious injuries

Cyclist injured in crash with a grey car in Lynn Road, Ely

News1 month ago

WATCH: Police retrieve machete and cannabis from Peterborough drug dealer

Offender caught again whilst on bail for first offence

News1 month ago

BREAKING: Cambridgeshire County Council ‘truly sorry’ after it admits liability for 3 fatalities on Guided Busway

Council 'fully acknowledges the serious historic failings'

News1 month ago

WATCH: ‘You got me fair and square’ Wisbech burglar tells police in Peterborough

He was arrested in Peterborough city centre on 26 April

News1 month ago

WATCH: Police raid cannabis ‘factory’ inside Alconbury Weston house

Cannabis arrest followed a tip off from members of the public

News1 month ago

3 things to do while in the queue for an Oasis ticket – and it’s not what you might think

Tongue in cheek post has a serious message

News1 month ago

Cambs transport charity launches scathing attack after losing subsidised bus route to Stagecoach

FACT operated the 68 Wisbech service for a number of years

News1 month ago

Mayor attacks ‘cheap theatre of negativity’ over £48m Peterborough station facelift

Labour hopes Great Northern Hotel will be in future phase of re-development

News1 month ago

Opposition to 8am to 11pm pavement wining and dining in Wisbech by Wetherspoon

In Whittlesey Wetherspoon hope to use Market Place for outdoor drinkers

News1 month ago

Cambridge ‘drug lord’ caught with loaded gun, cash, and £500,000 worth of drugs

Rahman ran a criminal enterprise across Cambridge