Constable Chris Taylor Resigns

Thursday, 18 March 2021 at 16:08

Chris Taylor has resigned as the Constable of St John.

The Royal Court ruled he was not fit for office following his dangerous driving conviction and subsequent conduct.

On the day of the Royal Court hearing last month, which considered whether Constable Taylor fell short of the standards expected, he said to a journalist that he is 'an innocent man who has been convicted of a crime he did not commit'.

In its judgement, the court said he has a duty to uphold the rule of law - and it's very hard to see how expressing his private views to the media sits comfortably with his public obligations.

Commissioner Sir William Bailhache also said that they thought the public would wonder how a court could possibly conclude that he was fit for office, given the Magistrate's Court heard his evidence on oath and didn't believe it, and then continued to deny what the court had proved beyond reasonable doubt.

Constable Taylor told Channel 103 on Tuesday that he would put forward his case in the States Assembly next week.

However, two days later, the Comite des Connetables has confirmed that he has stood down as directed and has informed the Bailiff of his decision.

The law requires that he stay in post until his successor is appointed.

He will only carry out parish duties in the meantime. He will not attend any more States sittings.

"For centuries the Connétables have been subject to the disciplinary power exercised by the Royal Court and this demonstrates that we remain accountable." - Constable Deidre Mezbourian, Chairman of the Comite des Connetables.

Constable Chris Taylor Resigns

More from Jersey News from Channel 103

Comments