Gerard Woodhouse, a former long-serving Labour councillor for Liverpool, has been charged with harassment without violence. The charge follows an investigation by Merseyside Police into reports that a woman received multiple cards containing offensive insults and threats over a period of several months.
Key Takeaways
- Gerard Woodhouse, 62, a former Liverpool councillor, is charged with harassment without violence.
- The charge relates to multiple cards with alleged insults and threats sent to a woman between October 2023 and August this year.
- Merseyside Police confirmed the charge after what they described as an "extensive investigation."
- Woodhouse served as a Labour councillor for the County ward in north Liverpool from 2010 to 2022.
- He is scheduled to appear at Liverpool Magistrates Court on Friday, 24 October.
Police Investigation Leads to Charges
Merseyside Police have formally charged Gerard Woodhouse, 62, of Mayfair Close in Anfield, following a detailed investigation into allegations of harassment. The force received reports concerning a series of communications sent to a woman over a ten-month period.
The alleged incidents are said to have occurred between October 2023 and August of this year. According to police, the complaint involved multiple cards sent through the post which contained offensive language and threats directed at the recipient.
Understanding the Charge
Harassment without violence is a specific offence under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. It covers behaviour that causes another person alarm or distress on at least two occasions. The offence does not require physical violence to have taken place; the focus is on the psychological impact of the repeated, unwanted behaviour.
The investigation culminated in Mr. Woodhouse's arrest in August. After further inquiries, the decision was made to press charges. A spokesperson for Merseyside Police provided a statement on the matter, confirming the details of the legal action.
"Detectives investigating reported harassment towards a woman have charged a Liverpool man. Following an extensive investigation a man was arrested in August in connection with the offence. Gerrard Woodhouse, 62 years, of Mayfair Close in Anfield, has now been charged with harassment without violence."
The police confirmed that Mr. Woodhouse has been released on conditional bail. He is required to appear in court later this month to face the charge.
Woodhouse's Political Career
Gerard Woodhouse was a prominent figure in Liverpool's local politics for over a decade. He was first elected to Liverpool City Council in 2010, representing the County ward in the north of the city as a member of the Labour Party.
During his twelve years in office, he was involved in numerous local issues and committees, serving the residents of his ward, which covers parts of Walton and Fazakerley. His tenure as a councillor came to an end in 2022.
Timeline of Service
- 2010: First elected as a Labour councillor for County ward.
- 2010-2022: Served a total of twelve years on Liverpool City Council.
- 2022: Was not re-selected by the Labour Party to stand in local elections.
- Post-2022: Has not held an elected position since his term ended.
Departure from Politics
At the end of 2022, Mr. Woodhouse was informed by the Labour Party that he would not be permitted to stand again as a candidate in the upcoming local elections. This decision followed an internal party selection process.
Sources at the time confirmed that Mr. Woodhouse launched an appeal against the party's decision, but this appeal was ultimately dismissed. There was some speculation that he might contest the seat as an independent candidate, but he did not appear on the ballot in subsequent elections and has not returned to the council.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
With charges now officially filed, the case will proceed through the judicial system. The first hearing is a key step in this process. Mr. Woodhouse is scheduled to make his first appearance at Liverpool Magistrates Court on Friday, 24 October.
During this initial hearing, the charge will be formally read to him, and he will be expected to enter a plea. The court will then decide on the next steps for the case, which could include setting a date for a trial or proceeding to sentencing if a guilty plea is entered.
He remains on conditional bail, which means he must adhere to specific conditions set by the police until his court appearance. The conditions of his bail have not been made public.