Dorset councillor mimicked officer's accent for eight years

Bill Pipe's behaviour towards a female senior officer was described as offensive

A councillor who mimicked a senior council officer's accent for eight or nine years has been told to apologise and undertake diversity training.

Bill Pipe was found to have breached Dorset Council's code of conduct by a panel who described his behaviour towards the woman as "offensive".

Mr Pipe admitted mimicking the officer's accent but said he had not realised it had caused offence.

He said his actions had continued for eight or nine years without complaint.

Mr Pipe told the panel he regarded his behaviour as "merely jovial banter".

Councillor Susan Cocking, who led the panel of three, said: "This was offensive and not acceptable under any circumstances - no one should be subjected to such treatment."

'Pretty sad'

Fellow councillor Cathy Lugg, who appeared at the hearing to support Mr Pipe, told the panel: "I suspect his sense of humour comes from his time in the services… he remains a good councillor and is popular in his ward."

Mr Pipe had his council pass withdrawn in the summer when the investigation started and has only been allowed in council buildings when accompanied, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

After the hearing, he said: "Had I known my doing this would offend, or belittle her, I would have stopped immediately and apologised.

"I thought she was taking it in the spirit it was meant - a happy, jovial way. It's pretty sad it's got to this state."

Mr Pipe denied allegations of making offensive comments, which the panel said could not be substantiated.

He has been told to write a letter of apology to the female officer and will be offered a mentor to provide ongoing guidance and support.

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