Bosses won’t discipline slap councillor Penny Jackman

Penny Jackman hit pensioner Mike Beggs (pictured right) across his face when the pair came face to face while votes were counted at a by-election in February 2012.

As reported by the Daily Echo, Cllr Jackman, who serves as a Lymington town councillor as well as on New Forest District Council and the National Park Authority, said she felt scared and backed against a table by the 75-year-old when she challenged him over “filth” he wrote about her in an election leaflet.

Mr Beggs, who failed to win his seat that night, claimed he lost teeth in the assault which took place in front of political rivals at Pennington Women’s Institute Hall on February 9, 2012.

Southampton County Court this week ruled in favour of Mr Beggs, who took civil action that came to court more than three and a half years later.

Judge Peter Ralls QC said he did not believe Cllr Jackman feared she was about to be abused or assaulted by the now 75-year-old as he awarded Mr Beggs more than £14,000 in damages.

The court heard how he could also receive in the region of £70,000 in costs – a figure that could alter after calculations and taxing – following the legal wrangle.

Today National Park bosses said the matter would not affect Cllr Jackman’s role on the authority as it happened when she was not representing them.

A spokesman said: “The incident that prompted this did not occur while Penny Jackman was acting in her capacity as a member of the National Park Authority.

“As such, we have no plans to take disciplinary action.”

Meanwhile New Forest District Council was unable to clarify what, if any, action would be taken against Cllr Jackman.

A spokesman said: “The council has no details of the court’s findings and is therefore not in a position to comment at this stage.”

In a statement, Cllr Jackman said: “It’s not the end of the world. I’m not a criminal, I have my health and the support of my family.”