A STRATFORD district councillor has been found not guilty of assaulting a pensioner.
Robert Vaudry had denied hitting 70-year-old neighbour Paul Turner during a heated exchange on the village green in Dorsington back in March.
And the dad-of-three was found not guilty of assault by beating when he appeared before magistrates at Leamington Justice Centre on Thursday (November 5).
The Conservative councillor, who represents the Bishopton ward on Stratford District Council, did admit pushing Mr Turner but said it was in self-defence – an argument accepted by presiding magistrate, Elisabeth van Asch.
Mr Vaudry has been seeking to transform part of his historic home into a wedding venue for more than two years now.
The plans have been met with anger from residents including Mr Turner, who say it would bring noise, traffic and crime to the village.
He has twice been refused planning permission – unsuccessfully appealing the decision both times – and is currently awaiting the outcome of an appeal on an enforcement notice preventing any more wedding events within the precincts of his home.
