Portsmouth City Council has sought to put the record straight over “considerable misinformation” which has surrounded a court case in which it was accused of ‘covering up’ the details.

The accusations were levelled at the council following claims made on social media by Reform councillor George Madgwick that he was "put under increased pressure” to not share information about an active court case involving an asylum seeker accused of rape. He said at the time that he was sharing this not as a councillor but a concerned resident.

The case prompted a number of protests outside the Royal Beach Hotel, being used by the Home Office as temporary accommodation for asylum seekers while their claims are processed, which is where the accused had been staying. The News also came under criticism for not publishing more information than is legally allowed about the same court case, with restrictions in place to prevent prejudicing the proceedings.

Now the court case has concluded, with the accused now being found not guilty by a jury, Portsmouth City Council has issued a statement which said that criminal charges are not a council matter, and it did not comment so as not to prejudice the court case.

It said: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with those affected by this case. There has been considerable misinformation relating to the council and the case and we wish to clarify the situation.

“In line with established protocols the council does not release information shared with staff and councillors by the police about crimes. Arrests and criminal charges are not a council matter, therefore the council never comments on ongoing police investigations and the police lead on releasing information.

“We had not publicly commented on this previously because we did not want to influence or jeopardise ongoing legal proceedings and out of respect for the complainant's right to privacy, but as the conclusion of the case is now being reported we thought it was appropriate to issue this information.”