A COUNCILLOR could be suspended for six months for aggressive behaviour and raising a fist during a meeting.

Maldon District Council’s standards committee made the recommendation after hearing evidence about the behaviour of Prof Lew Schnurr, a Heybridge Parish Councillor.

The committee heard Prof Schnurr had made aggressive remarks to fellow parish councillor Don Benson at a public meeting earlier this year before raising a fist.

Simon Quelch, monitoring officer, who investigated the complaint, said: “Councillor Schnurr sent me letters he has written to Councillor Benson, the chairman of Heybridge Parish Council and the clerk of the council apologising for what happened and for any distress that was caused.

“They are full, frank and honest confessions with no attempt to mitigate the circumstances.

Prof Schnurr told the committee: “I again apologise for my outburst during the meeting.

“I believe a fundamental component of atonement should be positive subsequent contribution to the council.

“I have continued to carry out council work since January. I look forward to continuing to work for Heybridge Parish Council as it adapts and to serve the community however appropriate.”

The committee recommended Heybridge Parish Council publish the findings of the investigation on its website, post a notice in the newspaper and remove Prof Schnurr from committees and prevent him formerly representing the council for six months or until he has shown a change of attitude.

Committee chairman Tony Shrimpton said: “The committee make these recommendations, but these can be altered or removed by the parish council should they deem it necessary.”

The parish council will meet on April 19 to agree how to proceed.