What was supposed to be a routine parish council meeting in the usually peaceful village of Middleton St George took an unexpected turn when two councillors in their 70s ended up in a full-blown physical altercation.
The incident, which unfolded last May, saw independent councillor Colin Pease and parish councillor David Darling exchanging punches, rugby tackling each other, and even drawing blood.
Heated Words Escalate Tensions
According to an investigation by Darlington Borough Council, the fight began when Darling started questioning Pease in a loud and confrontational manner, not giving him a chance to respond.
Frustrated, Pease reportedly called Darling a “prat” and attempted to leave the room.
However, things took a turn for the worse when Darling forcefully shut the door, preventing Pease from exiting.
This action seemed to trigger an aggressive response, leading to the councillors physically clashing.
A Brawl That Shocked Onlookers
Witnesses at the meeting described the altercation as a “wrestling match,” with both men locked in a struggle, throwing punches and pulling hair.
The skirmish left Pease with visible scratches, blood on his face, and a broken pair of glasses worth £325.
Meanwhile, Darling sustained bruising, and his wife later described the ordeal as causing “severe distress and anxiety.”
Conflicting Accounts of the Fight
The exact sequence of events remains disputed.
Pease claimed that Darling grabbed him by the neck and head-butted him, prompting him to defend himself.
Darling, on the other hand, insisted that Pease threw the first punch.
Meeting chair Hazel Bullock stated that Darling was the instigator, but some councillors were unsure who started the fight.
Audio recordings from the meeting captured voices trying to calm the situation, with one person warning Darling that his actions could lead to a stroke.
Investigation and Council Review
Ellie Dewar, the investigator assigned to the case, concluded that most of the evidence pointed to Darling initiating the physical altercation.
She stated that Pease acted in reasonable self-defense.
However, the matter is now under review by the council’s standards committee, which will determine whether either councillor violated the code of conduct.
Pease has also requested reimbursement for his broken glasses.
What Happens Next?
The upcoming council meeting on February 17 will delve into the incident, reviewing audio evidence and witness testimonies.
The committee will decide if disciplinary action is necessary.
Meanwhile, this bizarre scuffle has left many questioning the professionalism expected in local governance, proving that even the most mundane meetings can sometimes take an unexpected—and dramatic—turn.