Trial date set for former Thanet councillor Helen Smith but another delay for Konnor Collins

Helen Smith's sentence can be revealed now the case against Konnor Collins has been dropped

Former councillor Helen Smith will stand trial at Canterbury Crown Court on Monday (September 4) on charges of theft, assault and dangerous driving.

The alleged offences took place in April 2015 at Wyevale Garden Centre in Ramsgate.

Fellow former councillor Konnor (Kevin) Collins had evidence presented to the court during a preliminary hearing yesterday (August 29) to show is currently not fit to stand trial. It is understood the CPS intend to carry on with the prosecution when he is declared fit.

Ms Smith, 53, and Mr Collins, 55, of St John’s Avenue in Ramsgate, were previously Thanet councillors for Northwood ward, elected on a UKIP ticket in 2015, but stood down in June 2016 following revelation of the charges, which were served on them by post on September 17, 2015, and claims by The Walter Mitty Hunters Club that Mr Collins was untruthful in claims over his military record.

Thanet council demanded the resignations in light of the controversy and several months of non-appearance at council chambers.

The pair had quit UKIP to form the Democratic Independent Group (DIG) at protest over the lack of action on the Manston airport issue.

The hunters club, and later South Thanet MP Craig Mackinlay, said if Mr Collins’ claims to have received an MBE, Conspicuous Gallantry Cross and the Military Cross for service in the Paras were true he would be “the most decorated veteran in the entire country.”