Former Tory council leader in court co-accused with three others of historic sex offences
Phil Larratt is accused of indecent assault
By Sarah Ward
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A former leader of Northampton Borough Council has appeared in court today co-charged with three others of historic sexual offences.
Phil Larratt, 68, who just two months ago was a cabinet member at West Northamptonshire Council, appeared at Northampton Magistrates Court charged with the offence of indecent sexual assault on a man in the 1990s.
John Bandy, 88, David Bull, 47, John Armer, 63 are co-accused with Larratt, with the listed offences spanning three decades from the late 1970s. It is understood the police investigation dates back to 2020.
Armer, who lives in the same address as Bandy on Kettering Road, Northampton, is charged with 30 offences dating from the late 1970s to the late 1990s including indecent assault of an under 16, buggery of an under 16 as well as attempted rape. There have been allegations by a number of different victims.
One offence was listed as taking place in an unnamed hospital setting and another in an unidentified pavilion.
Bandy, was before the magistrates on five charges, including male rape and indecent assault of an under 16.
Larratt, Bandy and Armer did not enter pleas and will appear at Northampton Crown Court on August 28. They have been given unconditional bail.
Bull, of Banks Street, Blackpool, pleaded not guilty to three charges of indecent assault and will appear with his co-accused at the end of August.
Larratt, of Highfield Road, Northampton, is a long standing Conservative and has held various senior positions. He was leader of the now defunct borough council in the 2000s and was cabinet member for highways from 2021 until May this year. He represented the East Hunsbury ward for many years.
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