Derry SDLP councillor Jim McKeever suspended by party over sex charges
Jim McKeever, an SDLP councillor on Derry City and Strabane District Council, appeared at Derry Magistrates’ Court.
The 62-year-old was charged with seven counts of indecently assaulting a woman and two counts of gross indecency towards a child.
The offences are alleged to have taken place over a seven year period on dates unknown between August 1, 1981 and December 31, 1988.
During a preliminary enquiry yesterday, McKeever, from Tamneyreagh Park in Eglinton, said he did not wish to say anything in answer to the charges at this stage.
He was released on bail of £500 to appear at Derry Crown Court for an arraignment hearig on a date to be fixed.
The defendant was banned from having any contact with the alleged injured party or any witnesses involved in the case.
In a statement, the SDLP said: “The SDLP has suspended Cllr Jim McKeever from the party and removed the whip on Derry and Strabane District Council with immediate effect.
“The party will be issuing no further comment on this matter due to ongoing legal proceedings.”
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