Ex-council chief investigated in DUP mayor clothing probe

An ex-council chief executive is a subject in a police investigation into a former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) mayor's clothing expenses.

Anne Donaghy is one of three people referred to prosecutors for consideration over alleged misconduct in public office at Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

It is the latest case surrounding its handling of Freedom of Information (FoI) legislation after Donaghy was convicted on Wednesday of two charges over the deletion of an email to former DUP leader Arlene Foster.

Donaghy's solicitor told BBC News NI the allegations would be "met with the same robustness as this week's proceedings which are now under appeal".

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed a file has been submitted to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) for consideration.

Police said the investigation was in respect of two women aged 56 and 42, and a 57-year-old man.

None of the three are the former DUP mayor whose expenses were examined.

The case centres on questions over clothing expenses claimed by Audrey Wales, 80, who was mayor between 2016 and 2017.

The Ballymena councillor spent more than £2,300, but the council did not disclose the full cost when asked for details in an FoI request.

In a statement in 2022, Wales said she had sent a cheque in 2019 reimbursing the council for most of the spending to stop "electorally motivated questions".

Wales, who sent a second cheque in 2021 upon learning the first had not been processed, said that "at all times" she acted in line with "guidance from council officials".

The council in 2022 commissioned a Belfast-based firm to conduct an investigation.

It found the council's FoI response involved "a deliberate manipulation", according to a copy leaked to the Belfast Telegraph. , external

Donaghy has previously denied being involved in discussions about the FOI and said an email she sent referring to the cheque showed that she intended to cash it.