A COUNCILLOR and former mayor has appeared in court on a child sex charge.
Liam Temple, 58, of Kingshead Close, Castlefields appeared before magistrates last week charged with inciting a girl under the age of 16 to commit an act of gross indecency.
No plea has been entered and he will reappear before the court in the New Year.
Mr Temple is alleged to have committed the offence in April this year. He was arrested on November 16.
Mr Temple, a Labour councillor, is chairman of prosperity and equality policy and performance board and was mayor of Halton from 1994 to 1995.
A Cheshire police spokesperson said: "We can confirm that 58-year-old man has been charged with inciting a girl under 16 to commit an act of gross indecency."
A statement from Halton Council said: "It is not our policy to make statements about councillors' personal lives on issues that do not relate to council business.
"The matter is with the courts and at this time it would be inappropriate for us to comment.
"Cllr Temple has advised the council that he is 'voluntarily withdrawing from all council business and related outside bodies, until the allegations made against me are finally concluded and I have successfully defended myself'."
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