Skip navigation

Gloucestershire Business News

Former Mayor of Fairford cleared of assault charges

A Fairford man who resigned as Mayor of the Cotswolds town when he was arrested for an alleged assault has been formally cleared after the prosecution dropped the charge against him.

James Nicholls, 47, of Yells Way, Fairford, was to have stood trial by Cheltenham Magistrates at Cirencester Courthouse on Tuesday (July 5) on a charge of assaulting Michael Jeans by beating at the Marlborough Arms, Fairford, on April 8, 2021. He had pleaded not guilty.

On Monday (July 4) at Cheltenham Magistrates Court the prosecution discontinued the charge.

The court had been told at an earlier hearing that the charge arose from an incident when Mr Jeans was seated at the bar with his partner at around 10pm. There was said to have been a heated discussion between the two men during which a punch with a clenched fist was allegedly thrown by Mr Nicholls.

Mr Jeans suffered a cut above the eye but he did not require medical treatment.

Mr Nicholls had denied the charge on the grounds that he was using lawful self-defence.

Mr Nicholls grew up in Fairford and had served with the army for 20 years. He became a town councillor and was appointed deputy mayor of Fairford in 2019.

He served as the town mayor for a year from May 2020 and was unanimously re-elected for a second term in 2021.

He resigned as both mayor and town councillor following the allegation being made against him in April 2021.

Related Articles

Versarien's revenues halve and losses rise Image

Versarien's revenues halve and losses rise

Forest of Dean-based advanced engineering group Versarien saw its revenues halve last year.

Gloucestershire company launches same-day service Image

Gloucestershire company launches same-day service

Gloucester-based Freemans Event Partners has launched a brand-new around-the-clock foodservice logistics offer.

Gloucester business expands at Elmbridge Court Image

Gloucester business expands at Elmbridge Court

Just three offices are now available for rent at Elmbridge Court, following the latest letting.

Cirencester town centre to deliver improved parking Image

Cirencester town centre to deliver improved parking

Better parking and traffic control improvements for Cirencester residents and businesses.

Copyright 2024 Moose Partnership Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any content is strictly forbidden without prior permission.