Photo: SuppliedThe scandal surrounding former Christchurch City councillor Deon Swiggs during last year's local body elections cost the council $68,141. Mr Swiggs was ousted from his Central Ward seat in last year’s elections following allegations he sent “grossly inappropriate” messages to youths. The code of conduct investigation was dropped by the city council after Mr Swiggs failed to gain re-election. The code of conduct process cost $5855.80 and the District Court trial cost the city council $26,307.40 in external legal costs. The city council was also charged $368 for counselling for one of the complainants and $517.50 for "professional supervision" of Mr Swiggs.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 29, 2020 20:26 UTC