Cr Cynthia Manson leaves the Werribee Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday after her appearance. 77011 Picture: EMILY LANE
By XAVIER SMERDON
A WYNDHAM councillor was arrested following a family dispute in Wyndham Vale last week.
Cr Cynthia Manson faced the Werribee Magistrate’s Court last Wednesday after police attended an incident on Monday night.
Werribee Police Inspector Bill Weatherly confirmed that police were called to a family dispute in Wyndham Vale in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Inspector Weatherly would not give details of any charges laid against Cr Manson but said she fronted court two days later and would “receive a summons down the track”.
A Victoria Police spokesperson also confirmed the incident.
“Police arrested a 35-year-old Werribee woman on Tuesday morning in Wyndham Vale in relation to a family violence incident,” the spokesperson said.
“A complaint and warrant was served on the woman and she was bailed to appear in court yesterday (Wednesday) morning. She is expected to be charged on summons with criminal damage offences.”
Star attended the court case but has decided not to report on proceedings as they are protected by the Family Violence Protection Act.
Cr Manson could potentially be stood down from the council if it is found that she has broken part of the Councillors Code of Conduct.
The Code of Conduct, which was adopted and signed by Cr Manson on 16 November 2009, says that councillors should “comply with all relevant federal, state and local laws” and “act lawfully and in accordance with the trust placed in him or her as an elected representative”.
Wyndham Council CEO Kerry Thompson confirmed that Cr Manson had taken a leave of absence but would not comment on whether or not she had broken any code of conduct rules.
“Iramoo Ward Councillor, Cynthia Manson has taken a one month leave of absence from her Council duties as she deals with issues of a personal nature,” Ms Thompson said.
“Wyndham City is not in a position to comment on Cr Manson’s private matters. It is premature to assess any impact on Cr Manson’s duties as a councillor.”
Cr Manson could not be contacted for comment.
