IW Conservative Councillor for Newport West, David Whittaker has been charged this morning with committing a sexual act in a public place the gazette can reveal.

Mr. Whittaker was charged this morning (Tuesday August 17) after answering police bail at Newport Police station.

It is alleged that he carried out an act in the public toilets in his Carisbrooke ward back in June of this year.

The Councillor who robustly denies the offence said that he does not intend to stand down from the party and believed that he will be cleared of any wrong doing.

In a statement issued by his solicitor he said “He does not know the person who made the allegation nor was he at the relevant place at the relevant time. Further to this his solicitor said that Mr Whittaker is physically incapable of performing the alleged acts. He was very surprised indeed to be charged with this offence and will robustly defend the prosecution”.

Hampshire and IW Police spokesman said” Police can confirm a man was charged on Tuesday, August 17, 2010 with sexual activity in a public lavatory in Carisbrooke, Newport, Isle of Wight on June 19, 2010.David Whittaker, aged 69, of Redstart Close, Newport, Isle of Wight, was bailed to appear before the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court on Friday, August 27, 2010.